Hawthorn looks set to welcome back an experienced premiership trio as they head to Adelaide to take on the Crows on Thursday night.
Grant Birchall (knee), Luke Breust (illness) and Luke Hodge (groin) all look likely to resume their spots in the Hawks’ 22, as the side looks to start the second half of the season off strongly.
Between the three, the Hawks regain nearly 700 games worth of experience.
It will be just the fourth game of Birchall’s season, having been hindered by a broken jaw in Round 2 and a medial ligament strain in Round 7.
With Josh Gibson facing a stint on the sidelines with an adductor strain, Birchall’s inclusion is of even greater significance given the number of experienced Hawk defenders currently sidelined.
Kurt Heatherley was among the best for Box Hill in their Round 8 win over North Ballarat, collecting 29 touches, while first-year Hawk Harry Morrison continues to improve, finishing the game with 21 touches, six tackles and three clearances. Both youngsters will be hoping to force their names into the selection frame.
