AFL

Geelong call on trio of flag stars for Hawks clash

By AAP Newswire

Apr 8, 2023

Rhys Stanley. — Rhys Stanley returns from injury amid several changes for Geelong in their AFL match with Hawthorn. -AAP Image

Geelong will be bolstered by the return of three premiership players against Hawthorn as they seek their first win of the AFL season.

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Cats ruckman Rhys Stanley is back after sustaining a blow to the ribs in round two, while Mitch Duncan and Jake Kolodjashnij will play their first games for the year.

Off-season recruits Ollie Henry and Tanner Bruhn have both been dropped.

Key defender Sam De Koning is out under concussion protocols and ruckman Jon Ceglar has been omitted.

Duncan is available after overcoming a calf injury that dented his pre-season preparation and delayed his start to the season.

Kolodjashnij returns after overcoming the effects of concussion, while veteran forward Tom Hawkins has retained his spot despite form and fitness queries.

Hawthorn have named an unchanged 22 after registering their first win of the season against North Melbourne last week.

Geelong are mired in a 0-3 hole heading into their 12th meeting with Hawthorn in what has become a traditional Easter Monday fixture.

The Hawks scored an upset 12-point win in the corresponding fixture last year.

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press