Grant Birchall

It seems unfair to place high expectations on a man who is playing just his fourth game of the season on Thursday night. But Hawks fans have come to expect a lot from their four-time premiership hero, and the absence of Birchall’s drive off half-back this season has been sorely missed. The Hawks welcome back the 29-year old this week and will quickly look a much more dangerous side with Birchall’s ability to set up offensive attacks from the back half.

Read: Bupa recovery report Round 14 

Ryan Schoenmakers

Another Hawk who has made limited appearances this season, Schoenmakers returns to the senior side in just his second game of 2017 and instantly becomes a key player for the Hawks. The 26-year old’s selection comes on the back of Josh Gibson’s groin injury, with Schoenmakers expected to be handed the role of looking after Crows captain Taylor Walker. This battle looks to be a key match-up, with Walker enjoying, arguably, a career-best season. 

Ricky Henderson

Playing his 100^th game on Thursday, Henderson will be determined to put in a strong performance against his old side. The 28-year old has been used in each area of the ground through different parts of the year so far, but has nevertheless remained one of the most consistent Hawks. Averaging a career-high 22.7 possessions this season, Henderson will be looking to finish his first season at the Ricoh Centre strongly.

Sam Jacobs

Tracking towards a maiden All Australian berth, Jacobs is enjoying a career-best year as he leads arguably the most impressive midfield in the competition. Having had more hit-outs than any other ruckman in the competition, Jacobs is also providing an offensive threat around the ground with an average of 16.1 disposals.

Read: Opposition analysis Round 14

Matt Crouch

Matt Crouch goes under the radar, but his statistics back up his claim to being one of the game’s best ball-magnets. With only Essendon’s Zach Merrett and Hawk Tom Mitchell averaging more disposals than him this year, Crouch’s 31.9 disposals have catapulted him into the conversation of the game’s elite midfielders. At the age of just 22, Crouch is an emerging star and will be one to watch for the Hawks not only on Thursday night but in years to come.