NED REEVES will have to take on a dual ruck threat against Gold Coast on Thursday night, with Hawthorn confirming five changes for the match in Darwin.
With the Hawks choosing to rest No.1 ruck Lloyd Meek, Reeves has been included for just his fifth game since the end of 2023.
And the 26-year-old will have to take on both Jarrod Witts and Ned Moyle at TIO Stadium, with Moyle named for his first game of this season.
In addition to Reeves, young forward Calsher Dear will play his first game of the season for the Hawks after a long injury absence.
Jack Scrimshaw, Cam Mackenzie and Tom Barrass also return with Meek, Jack Gunston (managed), Jarmen Impey (parental leave) among the expected outs.
Luke Breust is also out due to a sore back, while Henry Hustwaite has been dropped.
Moyle is in for the Suns alongside veteran David Swallow, with Will Graham and Jake Rogers both out injured.
THURSDAY, MAY 15
Gold Coast v Hawthorn at TIO Stadium, 7pm ACST
GOLD COAST
In: N.Moyle, D.Swallow
Out: J.Rogers (ankle), W.Graham (shoulder)
R9 sub: Jake Rogers
HAWTHORN
In: T.Barrass, N.Reeves, J.Scrimshaw, C.Dear, C.Mackenzie
Out: J.Impey (personal reason), J.Gunston (managed), L.Breust (back), L.Meek (managed), H.Hustwaite (omitted)
R9 sub: Bailey Macdonald
