James Sicily 

All summer it has been apparent that a changing of the guard is upon the Hawthorn defence in 2018. The departures of Luke Hodge and Josh Gibson have made way for emerging duo, James Sicily and Ryan Burton, to take the reins inside the Hawks back six. In the Hawks first hit-out of the year on Saturday, Sicily proved this transition may be smoother than some fans may have feared. The 23-year old was a shining light for the Hawks in the loss, gathering 24 disposals, six marks and eight rebound 50s. Watch for the forward-cum-defender to continue to blossom in his new role as he thrives under the responsibility that has been bestowed upon him.

Ben McEvoy

In 2017, Ben McEvoy’s 10^th year in the AFL system, it was without doubt the best year of his career, as he averaged a career-high hit-outs per game. In 2017, Matthew Kreuzer’s 10^th year in the AFL system, it was without doubt the best year of his career, as he averaged a career-high hit-outs per game. Both McEvoy and Kreuzer can consider themselves unlucky to have missed out on All Australian selection last year. Their tussle this Saturday will certainly be one to watch as they both look to follow on from outstanding campaigns in 2017.

Luke Breust

It is fair to say that 2017 was a down year for this three-time premiership Hawk. His output was down on previous seasons, with his average disposal mark and total goals tally being the lowest he has recorded since his first year of AFL action in 2011. But Hawks fans will have been buoyed by the small forward’s form against the Western Bulldogs last week. The 27-year old had 14 touches, three marks, eight tackles, four inside 50s and kicked a goal (from his five shots). If Breust can return to his best in 2018, it will certainly aid the Hawks in their pursuit of a returns to finals footy.

Patrick Cripps

Patrick Cripps looks like another player set on redemption after a disappointing year in 2017. After a break-out campaign the season previous, many of Cripps’ key numbers declined last year before his season was cut short after he suffered a broken leg in Round 16. But in Carlton’s opening JLT Series clash against St Kilda last week, the bullocking midfielder was in outstanding touch, adding two goals to his 20 disposals, five marks and three tackles. If Cripps can add goal kicking ability to his already-impressive repertoire, he becomes an even more frightening prospect for opposition teams in 2018.

Paddy Dow

Having been taken with the number three pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, Paddy Dow wasted no time in showing why Carlton rated him so highly. Pulling on the navy-blue jumper for the first time against the Saints, Dow gathered 13 disposals and two goals. His speed, poise and skill level were complemented by the toughness he showed to play on after losing his two front teeth following a first half collision. Watch for this young gun to have an impact for the Blues in 2018.