There is already one confirmed opening in the Hawks line-up this week, with Chad Wingard a certainty to miss this Friday night’s clash with Essendon.

Injuring his hamstring in the third quarter of the Hawks’ loss to Brisbane, Wingard played no further part in the game and is set to miss the next one to two weeks.

But Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson has a number of youthful options to replace the sidelined forward.

Harry Morrison was left out of the side that travelled north to take on the Lions after averaging 15 possessions over the previous three weeks.

Morrison again responded well to his omission with a strong game for Box Hill the week before its bye.

If Clarkson is looking for the closest like-for-like alternative for Wingard, Dylan Moore poses as his best bet as far as small forwards go.

Read: Scrimshaw closing on return

Moore has improved with every senior outing so far this year and his consistent form at VFL level ensures that he is always in the selection mix. 

In a similar vein, Jackson Ross continues to put his hand up for a senior opportunity, proving one of the most potent forwards in the state league so far this year.

Ross has booted a goal in each of his seven games this year, including nine majors over his past three matches.

With the game against Essendon posing as a must-win match for the Hawks, Clarkson might opt for an experienced head.

If so, he could call upon Jarryd Roughead who has been a consistent contributor in his four outings for Box Hill this year.