David Hale (Hawthorn)
Ruckman-forward David Hale will play his 100th AFL game in the brown and gold tonight.
The 31-year-old, who played 137 games with North Melbourne before joining the Hawks ahead of the 2011 season, becomes the 37th player in AFL/VFL history to play 100 games at two different clubs.
The dual-premiership Hawk was hampered by injury early in the season, but has played the past nine games, averaging almost 20 hit-outs and 10 disposals – plus a goal – per game.
Hale was subbed out late in the Hawks’ Round 16 match against Sydney Swans, and will be out to make a big impact in tandem with fellow ruckman Ben McEvoy tonight.
Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
Midfielder Patrick Cripps has been a revelation in his second season with the Blues.
The 20-year-old got a taste of AFL football last season, playing three games, and has played 13 of a possible 15 in 2015.
Averaging almost 22 disposals and six clearances per game, Cripps has been one of the Blues’ leading midfielders alongside Marc Murphy.
His ability to win the ball on the inside will be important for the Blues against the likes of Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, and…
Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)
...who is in sensational form for the third-placed Hawks.
The Hawthorn skipper is arguably having one of his most productive seasons.
Luke Hodge has averaged 27.7 disposals across 12 matches – and has racked up 90 disposals in the past three weeks against Collingwood, Fremantle and Sydney.
The 31-year-old is among the AFL’s top 10 uncontested possession winners (average per game), alongside teammates Mitchell and Lewis, and will enter tonight’s match full of confidence.
Kade Simpson (Carlton)
Kade Simpson has been one of Carlton’s most consistent players this season.
Playing predominantly across half back and through the midfield, Simpson has averaged 23.6 disposals per game and been a key playmaker.
The 31-year-old ranks second at the Blues for average disposals per game, behind skipper Marc Murphy, first for marks per game and second for rebound 50s.
Simpson will be crucial if the Blues are to break through Hawthorn’s offensive pressure.
Jonathan O’Rourke (Hawthorn)
First-year Hawk Jonathan O’Rourke will have his second chance to impress against the Blues tonight.
O’Rourke played his first game for the Hawks in Round 2, but has had to knock down the door with consistent performances at VFL level to earn another AFL opportunity.
The former GWS Giant, who has 10 AFL games to his name, will be relishing the chance to take to Etihad Stadium and make an impact against the Blues.
The hard-working inside midfielder comes into the Hawks’ side alongside fellow midfielder Bradley Hill, in place of injured duo Liam Shiels and Ben Stratton.
