James Sicily

James Sicily is set to make his return to the senior side after missing the St Kilda clash due to suspension. It was the second time already this year that the 23-year old was rubbed out due to ill-discipline. Following the incident, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson voiced his frustration at losing the influential defender due to an unnecessary act. But the four-time premiership coach remained supportive of the fact that Sicily was still adapting to the demands of becoming a key player for the Hawks. Nevertheless, Sicily will be determined to repay the faith his coach and his club have shown in him by putting in a good performance against Essendon.

Read: Hawks make two changes for Round 7 

Isaac Smith

Isaac Smith has been outstanding in 2018, averaging a career-high 23 possessions and 1.7 goals per game. The vice-captain was best on ground against the Saints last week, with his four goals and 447 metres gained proving the difference in the Hawks’ 35-point win. The Hawks will be hoping the 29-year old can replicate this performance as they look for their fifth win of the season against the Bombers.

Harry Morrison

Another stand-out for Hawthorn in their Round 6 victory, Harry Morrison took a step forward in his career last week as he gathered a career-high 25 disposals, five inside 50s and kicked a goal. At 19 years of age, Morrison has taken to senior football quickly, showing a natural ability to find the football. Morrison’s next challenge is to back up this solid performance with another strong outing this Saturday afternoon.

Read: Where it's Stat - Youngster's early impact 

David Zaharakis

Having posted the most disposals for an Essendon player this year, David Zaharakis is in the best form of his 10-year career. The 28-year old’s average of 29.2 possessions per game through the first six games is clearly surpassing his previous career-high rate of 25.6 disposals, which he recorded in 2017. The hard-running midfielder is leading his club for uncontested possessions, with 21.2 per week, and ranks third in the competition in this statistic. Zaharakis’ run is essential to Essendon’s ball movement, the less influence he has on the outside of the contest, the better for the Hawks.

Joe Daniher 

In the lead-up to his 100^th game this week, Joe Daniher is experiencing the most scrutiny he has been dealt throughout his six-year career. Daniher has kicked just seven goals for the season, with his average of 1.2 goals per game his lowest rate since his debut year in 2013. But the 24-year old’s form might not be in as much turmoil as public opinion might suggest. He has recorded the most inside 50s of any Bomber in 2018, with a career-high 4.2 per game. While his disposal average of 14.3 touches is only one disposal below his 2017 All Australian year rate. Finally, despite having booted just seven majors in the first six rounds, Daniher has had 23 shots at goal, averaging nearly four shots at goal per game. Goal kicking accuracy has never been a forte of the 200cm forward, but if he is to put his kicking boot on this Saturday he is a genuine threat to kick a bag of five or more.