Hawthorn AFL coach Alastair Clarkson is hoping dual premiership pair Luke Hodge and Brad Sewell can help his side overcome the odds against Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
The veterans are among four changes for the Hawks, who were over-run by Sydney on their last outing before the bye.
Hodge, 29, returns after hamstring tightness while Sewell, 30, will play his first game of the season in the top-of-the-table clash.
The Hawks start behind in the betting for the first time since 2012 for their visit to Adelaide Oval to face the Power, with the reigning premiers short of five key players.
Former captain Sam Mitchell, Josh Gibson, Brian Lake and Cyril Rioli are all absent, while spearhead Jordan Roughead’s one-week suspension has him also staying home.
Liam Shiels and Matt Ceglar have been promoted into the Hawks’ line-up, with Kyle Cheney being dropped.
The Power have recalled ruckman Matthew Lobbe in place of former Hawk Brent Renouf.
It will be his first game since being a late withdrawal with calf soreness against Fremantle two weeks ago.
Lobbe was cleared to play after training fully at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday night and will be a valuable inclusion for the Power against the reigning premiers.
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Lobbe will replace Brent Renouf in the Power’s line up, who will in turn play for the Magpies against the Roosters earlier on Saturday afternoon at Prospect.
Saturday night’s game is a public sell out but access can still be obtained by purchasing a rare premium seat released by the club or a 3-game membership for $100.
