Hawthorn has announced two more players will make their debuts on the weekend, with youngsters Ned Long and Jack Saunders told that they will pull on the brown and gold against the Western Bulldogs.
The pair of players follow a long list of debutants this year, as Hawthorn rebuild their list under rookie coach Sam Mitchell.
Long was picked up with Pick 5 in the 2021 Rookie Draft and is a strong-bodied midfielder hailing from the Northern Knights.
“We have been really pleased with Ned’s development throughout his first season at the club,” Hawthorn's Head of Football Rob McCartney said on Long.
"He has been named an emergency on a number of occasions this season, so he's certainly been amongst the conversation for senior selection, but we're rapt to see him break through and earn that spot this week.
“For a teenager, Ned boasts a great size and has a terrific engine so we think those traits will hold him in good stead on the AFL stage.”
Saunders was picked up Pick 4 in the 2020 Rookie Draft as a midfielder but has found a new role in Box Hill's half-back line.
“After coming across from South Australia, Jack has showed a lot of patience in his journey to reach his debut game and it is very well deserved,” McCartney said.
“Jack’s athleticism is a real strength of his, through a combination of speed and endurance, and I’m sure our fans will enjoy seeing what he has to offer on Sunday.”
Hawthorn is hoping to end their season with an upset win against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday at their home away from home at the University of Tasmania Stadium.
