The Hoppers made five changes, including former Carlton defender Clem Smith.

"We had to bring in a few more mature bodies this week," coach Isaac Muller said.

"I know with Mitch Scott we're going to play him in the thirds because we are going to come up against bigger bodies and I'd definitely be surprised if he doesn't come in the following week (against Corowa-Rutherglen)."

Former East Wagga-Kooringal defender Isaac Walton will make his debut against the grand finalists.

"He's got a family history at the club as well and we're excited by him, he's been doing all the right things in reserves," Muller said.

Walton has tremendous closing speed as a defender and he'll look to utilise that against powerhouse Pies' forwards Michael Newton and Josh Porter.