Liam Shiels
A fresh face in the new-look Hawthorn leadership group in 2017, Liam Shiels is set to play a pivotal role in the Hawks' midfield this year. Shiels kicked off his pre-season in fine form last week, collecting 21 possessions, a team-high five clearances and also laying five tackles. Tackling is a key attribute in the 25-year old's game. Last year he averaged 8.5 tackles a game, the second highest average behind only Eagle Matt Priddis*. Shiels has gone from strength to strength throughout his eight year career so far and, with an added midfield responsibility beckoning this year, Hawks fans can expect that trend to only continue for their tackling machine. He will have his hands full this weekend against the contested bulls of the Kangaroos, namely Ben Cunnington and Jack Ziebell.
*Of players that played over ten games
James Frawley
Entering his third year at Hawthorn and eleventh in the AFL system, James Frawley started his 2017 season off strongly, leading the Hawks in multiple categories. Frawley led the way in rebound 50s (four), contested marks (two) and one-percenters (four). The 28-year old finished ninth around the league last year in total one-percenters, typifying why Hawks fans have grown to love the hulking defender. Since the former Demon's arrival at the Ricoh Centre, he has built a reputation as a reliable defender who can play both tall and small. This is an attribute that will be put to the test this week as North Melbourne have named only one key forward with AFL experience in Majak Daw.
Luke Breust
Luke Breust will play his first game of the year this weekend against North Melbourne. The New South Welshman enters his ninth year in the competition. A lesser known but nevertheless outstanding achievement for the three-time premiership player and All Australian is the fact that he has kicked at least 40 goals in each of the last five seasons. This same feat has only been equalled by Lance Franklin, Tom Hawkins and Jack Riewoldt. Breust will be aided by the return of his captain Jarryd Roughead and new recruit Tyrone Vickery this season, as he looks to continue his success as an explosive small forward.
Read: What else can we expect in JLT Game 2?
Ben Cunnington
Hard at the ball and brilliant in a contest, Cunnington has built a successful career since debuting against Hawthorn in Round 5 2010. Entering his eighth season on the Kangaroos’ list, he picked up a team-high 12 contested possessions in North Melbourne’s JLT Game 1 victory. He also topped his team in clearances, managing seven. Cunnington was named club best and fairest in 2014, and has averaged at least 21 disposals in each of his past four seasons. The 25-year-old will be looking to continue his brilliant start to 2017, and with the recent departure of high profile North Melbourne midfielders, Cunnington will have ample opportunity to impress.
Jamie Macmillan
Macmillan is a vital cog in North Melbourne’s backline. Impressive in last week’s two-point win over Sydney, the defender picked up a team-high 26 disposals and four rebound-50s. It was Macmillan’s first game since being appointed vice-captain in December and, if anything, the added leadership duties look to have bolstered his on-field performance. Macmillan has shown his brilliance as an attacking defender, and could cause some headache for the Hawks’ forward line come Sunday. A great user of the ball and a cool, calm team player, Macmillan looks on track for a strong 2017 campaign.
