After being late withdrawals from Hawthorn’s Round 7 side, Ricky Henderson and Will Langford appear strong chances to return to AFL level this week.

Henderson missed with illness, while Langford was pulled out at the last minute after suffering back spasms in the warm-up. 

However, their Round 7 replacements could make it difficult, with James Cousins doing an impressive job in tagging Essendon young gun Zac Merrett, and Brendan Whitecross looking strong in the Hawks’ forward half. 

Read: Gelling of midfield key to Smith's form

Jonathan O’Rourke had another good game at VFL level, gathering 35 disposals and kicking two goals for Box Hill. The former Giant could come under consideration should the Hawks look to bolster their midfield stocks against the Swans. 

Key defender Kaiden Brand also impressed for Box Hill with 27 disposals and 13 marks as he provided plenty of rebound off half back, as did teammate David Mirra. 

Despite only converting one of four shots on goal on the weekend, Ryan Schoenmakers is also in good touch, and could make his AFL return. 

Round 8 teams will be announced at 6.25pm on Thursday, via hawthornfc.com.au.