Collingwood has welcomed back two Magpies for Saturday night’s clash against Hawthorn with Heath Shaw and Ben Johnson returning to the side.
Both players have fully recovered from their injuries and will line up against a Hawk side which has dropped its last two matches (Enemy territory).
John McCarthy and Shane O’Bree have been omitted and are named as emergencies along with Ben Reid.
The return of Johnson will surprise many Magpie supporters after the 29-year-old appeared to have seriously injured his knee in the win over Melbourne in round two. Scans later revealed he had dislocated his kneecap, a good result for the former vice-captain who will line up for his 188th AFL match.
Also returning from injury is Shaw who will look to continue his career-best form in 2010. Prior to missing last week with a back complaint, the 2009 J. J. Joyce Trophy winner (third in the best and fairest) averaged 26.5 disposals and nine marks from his first two matches (career-highs).
After kicking three goals in the VFL Magpie loss to Williamstown last weekend, John Anthony remains in the VFL team set to take on the Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields on Sunday (Collingwoodfc.com.au will be covering the match with a live chat).
Supporters heading to the AFL match are reminded to get there early to farewell Anthony Rocca who will take a lap of honour at 6.45 PM (AEST).
Click here to view the broadcast guide.
Round four
Collingwood v Hawthorn
Saturday 17 April
MCG, 7.10 pm
B: Alan Toovey, Simon Prestigiacomo, Tarkyn Lockyer
HB: Harry O’Brien, Nick Maxwell, Sharrod Wellingham
C: Luke Ball, Dane Swan, Heath Shaw
HF: Josh Fraser, Travis Cloke, Alan Didak
F: Paul Medhurst, Brent Macaffer, Leon Davis
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas
Int: Leigh Brown, Ben Johnson, Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams
Emg: John McCarthy, Shane O’Bree, Ben Reid
In: Ben Johnson, Heath Shaw
Out: John McCarthy, Shane O’Bree (omitted)
Hawthorn
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Thomas Murphy
HB: Grant Birchall, Ryan Schoenmakers, Rick Ladson
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Michael Osborne, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
F: Garry Moss, Carl Peterson, Campbell Brown
Foll: Brent Renouf, Luke Hodge, Xavier Ellis
I/C: Jarryd Morton, Ben Stratton, Brendan Whitecross, Clinton Young
Emg: Jarrod Kayler-Thomson, Shane Savage, Matt Suckling
In: Osborne, Young, Whitecross
Out: Lance Franklin (susp), Josh Gibson (hamstring), Matt Suckling
