All eyes will be on Hawthorn’s match committee this week as fans wait to see how Alastair Clarkson shapes the line-up ahead of Friday night’s clash with Collingwood.
Captain Ben Stratton will return to the side after his two-week suspension, while Clarkson will likely face the choice between recalling some experienced names or granting a youngster a senior opportunity if he wishes to make multiple changes.
Young Hawk Harry Jones continues to impress at VFL level with arguably his best performance in the brown and gold to date against Casey on the weekend.
In tough conditions, the 20-year-old midfielder stood strong, gathering 29 disposals, eight tackles, five inside 50s and a goal.
With fellow youngster Oliver Hanrahan playing his first game in the brown and gold against the Eagles, there will be a number of young Hawks keen to follow his lead in the coming weeks.
Key forward Mitch Lewis has not made a senior appearance since Round 11, but his form for Box Hill should also prompt his name to be floated at the selection table this week.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the experience spectrum, Grant Birchall seems to be nearing his long-awaited comeback to AFL football.
It remains to be seen whether the four-time premiership defender will need more game time at VFL level, but he would certainly figure as a popular selection if the Hawthorn match committee were to deem him fit and ready.
Development Coach Marco Bello was full of praise for Birchall’s form with Box Hill in the past fortnight.
“He showed some real dash from half-back when we were able to get the ball in his hands,” Bello said on Tuesday.
“His contested ball and use of his body were a real strength and feature for him on the day.
“His positioning showed the experience of a 12-season veteran, and that he hasn’t lost his touch.”
Jarryd Roughead will also be looking to prove his fitness ahead this week after missing the game against West Coast with a strained side.
Roughead hurt himself against Sydney in Round 14 and, despite being able to play through the pain on the night, pulled up sore the following week.
