Jack Gunston

The Geelong backline will look dramatically different to what it did in these sides’ last Easter Monday clash. Since then, Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie have hung up the boots while injuries to Lachie Henderson (knee) and Harry Taylor (foot) will ensure their absence this time around as well. Naturally, this opens up an opportunity for the Hawks forwards against a more inexperienced back six for the Cats. Jack Gunston was a stand-out for the Hawks in their win over the Pies last week, returning to the forward line in style as he gathered 22 disposals, seven marks, six inside 50s and kicked two goals. Hawks fans will be hoping the 26-year old can back it with another big MCG performance on Monday afternoon against the cats. 

Ben McEvoy

Ben McEvoy is starting to become recognised as one of the elite ruckmen in the competition. After a stellar 2017 in which he averaged 32.4 hit-outs per game, McEvoy opened the season with a strong game against Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy last week. Meanwhile Geelong big man Zac Smith was soundly beaten by another of the game’s premier ruckman Demon Max Gawn as Gawn was one of the best players afield. This week the ruck battle promises to be one to watch. It is made all the more enticing when you consider the quality of midfielders that will be nipping at the toes of their every contest.

Paul Puopolo

Crowd favourite Paul Puopolo will play his 150^th game this week against the Cats. Puopolo was taken as a mature-age recruit back in 2010 and has since become a cornerstone of the Hawks success, earning himself three premiership medallions along the way. ‘Poppy’ will be hoping for a memorable performance in his milestone game as the Hawks eye off a perfect opening fortnight to the 2018 season.

Patrick Dangerfield

Patrick Dangerfield is a known superstar of the competition, with everyone in the country aware of his explosive, contested-ball winning style of play. But in Round 17 last year, the 2016 Brownlow Medallist showed off an element of his arsenal that many were perhaps unaware of. After copping an injury blow early in the game, the 27-year old left the field before returning soon after to be deployed as a stay-at-home forward. Carnage ensued as Dangerfield finished with a match-winning 5.6 to go with his 20 possessions and 12 marks. The midfielder is one to watch whenever he steps out onto a ground, but having missed the Cats opening round game against the Demons, you get the feeling Dangerfield will have added motivation in his first game of the year.

Tom Hawkins

A six-time club leading goal kicker, Tom Hawkins’ only goalless game in 2017 was in the Hawks win over the Cats in Round 17. Compare this to his 17-possession, six-mark, four-tackle and four-goal performance in the Cats’ Easter Monday victory last year and you realise just how much of a barometer this big Cat is to his side. The 29-year old was quiet in last week’s narrow victory over Melbourne, failing to register a goal. But given that he hasn’t had consecutive games without a goal since the opening fortnight of the 2011 season, it is unlikely he won’t hit the scoreboard against the Hawks.