Hawthorn have confirmed the return of skipper Luke Hodge, with the Hawks making two changes to their AFL line-up for on Sunday’s clash with Gold Coast.

Hodge, who has been out with a knee injury since round six, was named in an extended squad on Thursday, with Kaiden Brand also coming into the side on Friday afternoon when final teams were announced.

Cyril Rioli will miss the Launceston clash to travel to the Northern Territory for a family funeral, while Kade Stewart has been dropped.

Former Hawks onballer Mitch Hallahan will play against his old side after being confirmed as one of three changes to the Suns’ line-up.

Aaron Hall and former Western Bulldog Jarrad Grant come into the side, looking to snap a nine-game losing streak with their first win over the Hawks at a venue where they’ve never won.

Kade Kolodjashnij (concussion), Sean Lemmens (hamstring) and Jesse Lonergan (illness) are all out of the side, beaten by Richmond going into their bye.