HAWTHORN midfielder Isaac Smith is a last-minute withdrawal from the reigning premier’s clash with the Western Bulldogs after reporting calf tightness ahead of Sunday afternoon’s match in Launceston.
The dashing 24-year-old will miss his first match in what has been an outstanding 2014 and has been replaced in the selected side by Taylor Duryea.
Smith’s absence compounded the news that midfield maestro Sam Mitchell would also miss for the Hawks, having struggled with illness in the lead-up to the Round 19 match. Will Langford has returned to the side in the former skipper’s absence.
Duryea and Langford will both start from the interchange bench alongside Bradley Hill while Jonathon Simpkin will wear the green vest for Hawthorn.
For the Bulldogs, Koby Stevens will start as sub with Adam Cooney, Jason Johannisen and Lachie Hunter on the interchange bench.
Despite the cautious approach from the Hawks, both Smith and Mitchell are expected to be fit for selection against Melbourne at the MCG next Saturday.
