Hawks survive cull after horror AFL loss

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson has opted against major changes after last week's AFL thrashing from St Kilda.

Isaac Smith (second from left) and other Hawks team members

Hawthorn's premiership stars have been spared the axe after last week's horror loss to St Kilda. (AAP)

Hawthorn's premiership stars have been spared the axe after last week's horror 75-point loss to St Kilda.

Coach Alastair Clarkson had warned "catastrophic" changes could be needed after his side put up one of their worst performances in recent memory against the Saints in Launceston.

But the Hawks have settled on just two changes for Sunday's AFL clash with Melbourne at the MCG, with Cyril Rioli and Grant Birchall returning from injury to replace omitted youngsters Will Langford and Kaiden Brand.

Premiership heroes Josh Gibson, Shaun Burgoyne, Isaac Smith and Jack Gunston were among those who had been considered at risk of losing their spots.

The Demons confirmed they will welcome back spearhead Jesse Hogan after he missed last week's win over Essendon due to a family bereavement.

Defender Josh Wagner will play his first game of the season, while Jake Melksham and Alex Neal-Bullen have been omitted.

Former co-captain Jarrad McVeigh and lively backman Aliir Aliir are among five inclusions for Sydney as they seek their first win of the season.

The Swans will face Brisbane at the SCG on Sunday, with Gary Rohan (concussion) and Jeremy Laider (Achilles) unavailable.

Brisbane will be without star midfielder Dayne Beams (quad) and Tom Cutler (hamstring), replaced by Marco Paparone and Jake Barrett.

Essendon have made six changes for Sunday's clash with Fremantle at Domain Stadium.

James Kelly, Matthew Leuenberger, David Myers and Brent Stanton return, while veteran midfielder Jobe Watson and No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath will be rested.

The Dockers have recalled Cam Sutcliffe and Matt Tabener in place of Tommy Sheridan and Griffin Logue.


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Source: AAP



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