James Worpel
In just his second season in the system, James Worpel is leading the Hawks in total contested possessions, with just over half of his 24.3 disposals per game being contested. Worpel has had a consistent start to the season, having not yet fallen below 20 touches or 10 contested possessions in a game. The Demons pride themselves on the contested side of the game and therefore Worpel poses as a significant piece in the Hawks’ hopes of quelling one of their opposition’s key strengths.
Ben McEvoy
There are few bigger challenges in football at the moment than taking on Demons goliath Max Gawn. The All Australian ruckman in two of the last three years, Gawn is on pace for a third gong, setting new heights with career-best numbers in disposals, rebound 50s, inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions. But McEvoy is playing at a level that is also demanding the football world’s attention, with the Hawks big man setting a ridiculous standard of aerial dominance. McEvoy will undoubtedly be looking to work Gawn over and continue his career-best form on Saturday.
Ben Stratton
Stratton would appear the likely match-up for Demons sharp-shooter Jake Melksham. Melksham is the only Demon to be averaging more than a goal per game this year, while he also ranks first in marks and marks inside 50 and third for the club in inside 50s. The 27-year-old is one of the Demons most damaging players, given that much of his 15.5-disposal influence occurs in the attacking half of the ground. Stratton will likely be trusted with the task of looking after the former Don and the Hawks will be looking for one of the captain’s better stopping performances this weekend.
Read: R7 opposition analysis
Clayton Oliver
Ranking seventh in the competition for total disposals this year and fourth for contested possessions, Clayton Oliver is purely and simply a ball-winner. Oliver’s game is emblematic of the Demons when they’re at their best – hard at the contest and dominant in the clinches. Still only 21 years old, the big-bodied midfielder is a key cog in Melbourne’s midfield and one that the Hawks will be hoping to restrict around the ground.
Angus Brayshaw
Oliver’s partner in crime, Angus Brayshaw has proven just as important to the Demons midfield in the last two years. Where Brayshaw perhaps excels over Oliver is his ability to hit the scoreboard, having kicked five goals through his six appearances so far this year while Oliver is yet to hit the scoresheet.
