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AAP
AAP
Shayne Hope

Hawks confirm Jiath comeback, Rozee still out for Power

Changkuoth Jiath makes his long-awaited return for Hawthorn against Port Adelaide this weekend. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Playmaker Changkuoth Jiath will line up in his first game of the AFL season in Hawthorn's match against Port Adelaide, who will again be without injured captain Connor Rozee.

Rozee missed the Power's win in Geelong last Friday with a hamstring strain, after failing to finish the two prior games due to that injury.

The dynamic midfielder was named in the initial squad for Sunday's encounter with Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval, but has failed to prove his fitness.

Jiath made a successful comeback at VFL level last week after being sidelined with a serious hamstring issue and subsequent quad strain this year.

The speedy wingman and halfback is a welcome inclusion for Sam Mitchell's side as they chase a third straight win.

Jiath has notched 45 games since his 2019 debut, never managing more than 16 in a season.

The 24-year-old only played eight times last year due to calf and achilles problems.

He spent time at a sports medicine facility in Qatar in the off-season as the Hawks tried to rid him of persistent soft-tissue injuries.

Hawthorn's mature-age recruit Ethan Phillips will debut against the Power, while key forward Mabior Chol returns after missing two matches with a wrist injury.

Re-signed defender Jack Scrimshaw will miss the game through suspension, while veteran forward Jack Gunston has been managed and Finn Maginness dropped.

Port's Jason Burgoyne has overcome a groin injury and returns in place of Francis Evans.

Melbourne have regained Christian Salem after the defender missed four weeks due to a hamstring, as they take on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Key forward Ben Brown has been recalled in place of Jacob van Rooyen (concussion) and former Adelaide forward Shane McAdam will make his Demons debut.

West Coast will again be without star midfielder Elliot Yeo (groin), but leading goal-kicker Jake Waterman returns from concussion.

Star Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern has also been cleared to play despite being sent to hospital after a heavy fall during last week's thumping from Collingwood.

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