Alex Neal-Bullen runs with the ball during the match between Melbourne and Hawthorn at the MCG in round 23, 2023. Picture: Getty Images

HAWTHORN has been forced into a crucial late change for Sunday's match against Melbourne, losing in-form midfielder Jai Newcombe to hamstring tightness.

Newcombe's absence paves the way for 19-year-old Henry Hustwaite to debut.

Newcombe has been in blistering form, fresh off 40 disposals and a goal in a last-start win over the Western Bulldogs and is averaging 25 disposals for the season.

It will be the first game he has missed since late in 2021.

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Hustwaite stands 195cm and was taken by the Hawks with pick No.37 in last year's AFL Draft, proving himself a clean and composed midfielder for both Vic Country and Dandenong as a junior.

Henry Hustwaite evades the tackle during Box Hill's VFL match against Southport at Box Hill City Oval on May 20, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

Melbourne has no late changes for the clash that can lock away its top four position with a victory.

Jai Serong will be the Hawks' starting sub, while forward Josh Schache will start as the Demons' sub.

The Demons went down to Carlton last week and need a win as they push for a home qualifying final.

However, Melbourne must be wary of a Hawthorn side which has beaten Collingwood and the Bulldogs in the past two weeks.

The Demons axed Brodie Grundy again with Adam Tomlinson called up, with the Hawks missing Mitch Lewis (foot) and Chad Wingard (Achilles) through injury.

03:11

Match Previews R23: Melbourne v Hawthorn

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson preview the game between the Demons and the Hawks at the MCG.

Melbourne v Hawthorn at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST

LATE CHANGES
Melbourne: Nil
Hawthorn: Jai Newcombe, replaced in the selected side by Henry Hustwaite

SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Josh Schache
Hawthorn: Jai Serong

Also eyeing second spot is Port Adelaide, which makes the trip to Perth to face Fremantle in the final game of the round.

DOCKERS v POWER Follow it LIVE

The Power (15-6) ended a four-game losing streak by beating Greater Western Sydney last week, while coach Ken Hinkley signed a two-year contract extension on Tuesday.

Tom Emmett will make his AFL debut for the Dockers, while Port axed Francis Evans.

Neil Erasmus (Fremantle) and Travis Boak (Port Adelaide) are the subs.

Fremantle v Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium, 2.40pm AWST

NO LATE CHANGES

SUBSTITUTES
Fremantle: Neil Erasmus
Port Adelaide: Travis Boak

03:12

Match Previews R23: Fremantle v Port Adelaide

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson preview the game between the Dockers and the Power at Optus Stadium.

Western Bulldogs v West Coast at Marvel Stadium, 1.10pm AEST

NO LATE CHANGES

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Lachlan McNeil
West Coast: Zane Trew

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