The talented forward was drafted by the Lions with pick 32 in the 2012 national draft, but did not make his senior debut in his first year at the club.

Close learned of the call-up on Thursday and said he was thrilled to make his debut.

"It's a big opportunity, which is really good," he said.

Drafted as a key position player, Close said he was likely to play up forward but would learn more about his role within the side at a team meeting on Friday.

"I've been training and playing all the NAB Cup games up forward and that's been my role, but we'll go through the team structure so I'll find out more information from there," he said.

"Hawthorn is the benchmark side and they've shown some good touch through the NAB Cup but they've got a few injuries and we've got a full strength side.

"It would be nice to come away with a win but we'll just have to see how it pans out."