Hawthorn will blood their fifth debutant of 2023 on Saturday against Port Adelaide, with speedy defender Bailey Macdonald coming into Sam Mitchell's side as a late inclusion.
Macdonald will replace promising backman Seamus Mitchell, who himself is joined by MacDonald, Cameron Mackenzie, Josh Weddle and Max Ramsden in making his debut this year.
With illness sidelining Mitchell for this weekend's fixture, Macdonald has earned a call-up for his maiden match in the brown and gold.
Macdonald joined the Hawks from the Oakleigh Chargers as the 51st selection in las year's draft, with his speed and ball-carrying abilities a highlight.
โBailey has continued to impress us since walking through our doors post his selection at Pick 51 in the 2022 national draft,โ Hawks football bos Rob McCartney said.
โHis determination to improve has been evident, he is a humble and hard-working individual, and this has translated into consistent performances at VFL level.
โBailey possesses some really dangerous weapons, with genuine speed and a willingness to attack from the back half with ball in hand.
โFirst games are always special occasions for our club, and we can't wait to celebrate our fifth debutant for season 2023.โ
Macdonald was a shining light for the Hawks across his first pre-season, with the teenager going on to average 16.9 disposals and 4.8 marks per game for Box Hill in the VFL so far this season.
Teammate James Worpel labelled Macdonald as "the quickest man ever" just months into his tenure at the Hawks.
"I think Bailey Macdonald has looked pretty good off half-back which is nice," Worpel said toward the end of the club's pre-season program when speaking toย Zero Hanger.ย
"He's the quickest man ever so good luck catching when he gets the footy."
Hawthorn will head to Adelaide Oval to face Port Adelaide on Saturday at 1:15pm local time.
