Captain Jonathan Brown returns to the senior side after missing four games with an abdominal injury during which time the Lions have been unable to secure a victory.
Key defender Matt Maguire has also been included in the senior side for the first time since injuring his foot against North Melbourne back in Round 11. Like Brown, Maguire has missed the past four matches.
However, the Lions have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their clash with the Hawks with Vice-Captain Simon Black being ruled out with an ankle injury. Black has been one of the team’s most valuable and consistent midfielders this year and will miss his third match of the season.
After playing the past three matches, young Tasmanian Aaron Cornelius has been omitted to make way for the returning skipper.
Defender Ash McGrath will line up for his 150th AFL match this weekend while midfielder Michael Rischitelli will play his 50th consecutive senior game.
The Lions’ full team for Round 16 is as follows:
B: Tom Collier (22), Daniel Merrett (21), Ash McGrath (9)
HB: Daniel Rich (10), Joel Patfull (24), Travis Johnstone (4)
C: Jack Redden (30), Tom Rockliff (38), Justin Sherman (11)
HF: James Polkinghorne (31), Jonathan Brown (16), Luke Power (6)
F: Todd Banfield (18), Brendan Fevola (5), Brent Staker (14)
Foll: Mitch Clark (1), Michael Rischitelli (35), Jared Brennan (17)
Int: Matthew Leuenberger (23), Pearce Hanley (42), Amon Buchanan (33), Matt Maguire (36)
Emerg: James Hawksley (12), Aaron Cornelius (44), Jesse O’Brien (34)
IN: Jonathan Brown, Matt Maguire
OUT: Simon Black (ankle), Aaron Cornelius (omitted)
MILESTONES: Ash McGrath - 150 games
