Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell says he is facing a balancing act with trying to get as much development and exposure into his young squad during the latter half of the season.
The Hawks entered season 2023 as the youngest and least experienced team in the competition, and has since blooded five debutants so far this year.
Mitchell said several of his players have continued to impress in the VFL and deserve an opportunity at AFL-level, but managing them into the team has proved a challenge.
"Pretty much all of our side last weekend were players we are trying to continue to get games into," Mitchell said.
"We might bring in Luke Breust and James Sicily, who we know are already established players, but there is not too many players we can take out to get games into someone else.
"Cam Mackenzie, Henry Hustwaite, Jai Serong, Ned long, Max Ramsden and Jack O'Sullivan are all players we'd love to get into the side and see what they can do.
"But we can't just take players out for no reason, we need to pick the team on its merits as well."
Another fresh face knocking down the door is mid-season recruit Brandon Ryan who Mitchell says is "getting closer" to a potential AFL debut, after kicking four goals last week with Box Hill.
"He's finding ways to get shots every week, but physically he's still adapting to an AFL environment, training every day, doing weights every day," Mitchell said.
"He's fitting in really well, he's got a great demeanour about him and good humour, I think he's going to be a favourite when he gets his look.
"He's not far away, if he continues to play well and take his chances."
The Hawks are now preparing to take on North Melbourne this Sunday at Marvel Stadium, with captain James Sicily set to make his return following a three-game suspension.
Mitchell said he was pleased to welcome his skipper back into the side.
"He's had a couple of projects, a little bit of coaching, helping some other guys and a bit of a training block, which he has loved," he added.
"I called him yesterday to chat through a bit of things about the game and he's very excited to be back out there and is ready to play."
Hear more from Mitchell below.
