RD 1 TEAM: Young Hawks earns call up

Hawthorn has made one change to its Opening Round side following James Worpel's injury.

Young midfielder Josh Ward will play his first game of the season after being named to replace the injured James Worpel for Friday night's blockbuster Round 1 match against Essendon at the MCG.

Ward is the sole change to Sam Mitchell's team which defeated Sydney at the SCG by 20 points in Opening Round last week.

Having performed strongly in last year's Elimination and Semi Finals, Hawthorn Executive General Manager of Football Rob McCartney said Friday night presented another great chance for Ward to shine on the big stage.

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"We're excited that Josh will get another opportunity to play in front of a big crowd at the MCG on Friday night," McCartney said.

"His two finals last year suggest that he's well-equipped for these opportunities."

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Fellow midfielder Conor Nash has also been named for his 100th AFL match, becoming the first Irish player to play 100 games for the Hawks.

ROUND 1 TEAM

Hawthorn v Essendon

Friday 14 March

7.40pm AEDT

In: Josh Ward

Out: James Worpel (injured)

B: Tom Barrass, Blake Hardwick, Massimo D'Ambrosio

HB: Jack Scrimshaw, Jarman Impey, Josh Battle

C: Dylan Moore, Conor Nash, James Sicily

HF: Connor Macdonald, Harry Morrison, Nick Watson

F: Jack Ginnivan, Mabior Chol, Will Day

R: Lloyd Meek, Josh Ward, Karl Amon

INT: Josh Weddle, Jai Newcombe, Cam Mackenzie, Finn Maginness, Sam Frost

EMER: Jack Gunston, Changkuoth Jiath, Luke Breust

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