Hawthorn’s defensive stocks have been boosted with the return of Josh Gibson for Friday night’s AFL clash against the free-scoring Adelaide Crows.
Gibson and Brad Hill return for the Hawks for the MCG match at the expense of Daniel Howe and Angus Litherland.
The Crows, like Hawthorn seeking a fourth win of the season, made one forced change with Charlie Cameron replacing the injured Wayne Milera (thigh).
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson is wary of Adelaide’s ability to launch attacks from defence, feeding a forward line headlined by Eddie Betts and Taylor Walker.
“If they get that sort of rebound, then any forward line is going to cause damage, particularly the Adelaide one,” Clarkson said.
“(We need to) limit the supply and their forward 50 entries, particularly where they get them from.
“If they’re getting them from their high half-backs, rebounding really quickly and efficiently, we’re going to be in a bit of trouble.”