James Frawley
Frawley faces another difficult match-up this week against an in-form Tom Hawkins.
Currently third in the race for the Coleman Medal and coming off a five-goal haul against the Demons last week, Hawkins has been one of the most dangerous forwards around the league so far this season.
Yet Hawkins has only managed to kick a maximum of two goals against the Hawks since Frawley’s move to Hawthorn in 2015.
Frawley will be hoping to emulate these previous encounters as the outcome of this duel will likely indicate which team is successful on Monday.
Jack Gunston
Gunston has averaged 17.33 disposals and two goals in his last three meetings with the Cats.
Despite not having kicked a goal yet this season, Gunston has still been able to impact for the Hawks in other areas, averaging career-highs in possessions (17.67), tackles (four), inside 50s (3.33), contested possessions (eight) and one-percenters (2.33).
Nevertheless, the two-time Hawthorn leading goal kicker will be keen to add to his goal tally as he continues to develop into his adjusted role for season 2017.
Will Langford
Set to play his 50th game, Will Langford will have his hands full in combatting Geelong’s dangerous midfield brigade.
Langford is another Hawk enjoying a season of career-highs despite his team’s slow start.
His personal bests come in the areas of disposals (23.33), inside 50s (4.33) and contested possessions (12).
The 24-year old’s midfield grunt will be significant in order for the Hawks to match Geelong in undoubtedly the key area of the ground.
Patrick Dangerfield
Patrick Dangerfield has started off season 2017, where he left off in 2016.
He has had a dominant first three games, leading the league in contested possessions with a rate of 20 per game, alongside averages of eight clearances, 32.33 possessions, 5.66 tackles and 2.33 goals.
Since arriving in Geelong, the 27-year old has taken on the Hawks twice, averaging 39 possessions, 20 contested possessions and seven clearances.
He has also had four shots at goals between those two games, but has yet to convert one against the Hawks as a Cat.
The reigning Brownlow Medallist is playing at a career-best level and will be certainly one Cat the Hawks will be keeping a close eye on on Monday.
Daniel Menzel
Menzel is fit and firing, and his recent performances are living up to the potential that the football world had always been aware of.
The South Australian has been his dangerous best in front of goal, having kicked ten goals in the opening three games of the year.
The 25-year old is a barometer for his side, and there is no wonder that his strong form has coincided with the Cats’ undefeated start to the season.
Ben Stratton will likely have the role of shutting this supremely-talented forward out of the game, ensuring the livewire is unable to kick-start any momentum for Geelong.
