Hawthorn have been forced into a squad change for Sunday's clash with St Kilda, with fringe forward Fergus Greene sidelined due to injury.
The Hawks confirmed on Saturday night that Greene would be replaced by midfielder Cooper Stephens among Sam Mitchell's emergencies, however the type and extent of the injury to Greene was not reported.
The change will see the Hawks likely enter Sunday's match without a roll-over emergency, with key defender James Blanck likely to take on the tactical sub role given he was the only Hawthorn emergency not to feature at VFL level for Box Hill on Saturday against Sandringham.
Fergus Greene (injured) has been withdrawn from our listed emergencies for our clash against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium tomorrow.
Cooper Stephens has been named as our replacement emergency.
— Hawthorn FC (@HawthornFC) July 29, 2023
Mitchell's three other emergencies in Stephens, Jack Scrimshaw and Ned Long all featured at the state league level, meaning a late injury concern could lead to one of the trio potentially requiring to pull on the boots at Marvel Stadium.
The Hawks made a quartet of changes for Round 20, headlined by the addition of debutant and mid-season recruit Brandon Ryan.
Ryan was joined by Cam Mackenzie, Lachie Bramble and Lloyd Meek in being named as inclusions for this weekend. Ned Reeves (suspended), Karl Amon (injured), Denver Grainger-Barras (omitted) and Scrimshaw (omitted) fell out of Mitchell's plans.
The Hawks currently sit in 16th place and are unable to move from their current position on the league ladder, sitting 12 points away from both 17th North Melbourne and 15th Fremantle.
The Waverley club can leave their imprint on the finals race however, with St Kilda looking to remain in the top eight with a win on Sunday.
The match will commence at 1:10pm (AEST) at Marvel Stadium.
