Luke Breust
After a 2017 in which he recorded his lowest tally of goals since 2011, Luke Breust has made a much-improved start to this season. Breust leads a Hawthorn forward line that is thriving from receiving more inside 50s than any other forward group in the competition. In Round 1 against Collingwood, the 27-year old’s offensive force was on show as he booted four goals. While in Round 2, the 2014 All Australian’s defensive tenacity was the theme as he laid six tackles on the Cats. Hawks fans will be hoping Breust’s expansive repertoire is on its game again as the Hawks take on Richmond this weekend.
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Ryan Burton
Behind the powerhouse pair of Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O’Meara, James Sicily has been the next highest ball-getter for the Hawks in the opening fortnight, averaging 22.5 possessions. With Sicily missing the clash with the Tigers after being handed a one-week suspension, his intercept marking and ball-use out of the back half will be missed. In 2017, Ryan Burton was the club’s bright light, averaging 21.3 disposals and 3.8 rebound 50s. The 21-year old’s ability to find the ball and initiate forward thrusts from the back half for his side will be important for the Hawks’ chances on Sunday.
Ben Stratton
Central to Richmond’s premiership run in 2017 was their brigade of fleet-footed small forwards who were able to pressure opposition sides and, in turn, make them pay on the scoreboard. The likes of Dan Butler, Kane Lambert and Jason Castagna certainly aren’t household names, but they are nevertheless a barometer to the reigning premier’s success. If there is any defender in the league that is tailor-made to combat the Tiger’s offensive line-up, it is Ben Stratton. The 29-year old will have his hands full on Sunday, regardless of which speedster he lines up on.
Dustin Martin
Dustin Martin has picked up from where he left off in 2017. Martin had a dream season last year, becoming a premiership player, a Brownlow Medallist, a Norm Smith Medallist and earning his second All Australian honour. The 26-year old is averaging 28.5 possessions and has kicked six goals so far this season, more than any player averaging 20 disposals or more. His 25-disposal, seven-tackle, five-goal performance in a losing side against the Crows last week was simply frightening. Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson will be hoping to limit Martin’s impact this weekend, especially his influence in the Tigers’ forward half.
Alex Rance
The captain of last year’s All Australian side, Rance is arguably one of the most valuable players in the competition. Averaging 17 disposals, five marks and 4.5 rebound 50s, the 28-year old has the ability to both shut down an opposition key forward and ignite the Tigers from the back half. Last week against the Crows, Josh Jenkins was able to nullify Rance’s impact on the game in the opening half by ensuring that the key defender had to be accountable to him and not drop off to affect other contests. If the Hawks are able to do a similar job in distracting Rance from his preferred style of play, they will put themselves in a strong position to take home the four points.
