AFL LIVE: Hawthorn and Melbourne go head-to-head in Tasmania as round 17 continues

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Hawthorn have two first gamers in their side today in Noah Mraz and Matt Hill.

Defender Josh Battle has had his appendix removed, dealing Hawthorn another major blow for their big AFL match against Melbourne.

The All-Australian went to hospital with abdominal pain on Thursday and had surgery in the evening. Bodie Ryan is his most likely replacement for the Saturday afternoon game in Launceston.

While the Hawks will regain forward Jack Gunston (foot) for the first time since late May, Karl Amon and Ned Reeves also went out of the side this week with knee problems.

Earlier this week, the Hawks ruled out Nick Watson because of a hamstring issue.

G’day everyone. It’s Roy Ward here and I’ll be taking you through our first game of today between Hawthorn and Melbourne in Launceston at 1.15pm AEST.

Once this game is done, the great Scott Spits will blog the remaining games for today in Gold Coast vs Collingwood at 4.15pm AEST and Richmond vs Carlton at 7.30pm AEST.

This blog will also have some updates from GWS vs Fremantle in Canberra starting at 1.35pm AEST but our main focus will be on the Hawks and the Dees.

Enjoy the games to come.