Josh Gibson

The two-time Peter Crimmins Medallist will have his hands full this week as the Hawks face arguably the best tall forward line-up in the competition. In round five last year, the last time these two sides met, the Crows’ dangerous tall forward quartet of Josh Jenkins, Tom Lynch, Taylor Walker and Mitch McGovern all managed two goals each. Gibson, who would have been disappointed with his individual performance last week, has the chance to bounce back strongly in the face of this big challenge.

Ben Stratton

Since Eddie Betts arrived in Adelaide in 2014, he has struggled to thrive against the Hawks. On the four occasions Betts has come up against Hawthorn as a Crow, he has managed only five goals. Ben Stratton is a big part of Betts’ struggle with the underrated defender consistently winning the enthralling duel. This weekend Stratton will undoubtedly be tasked again with one of the toughest challenges in football at the moment, and another Betts scalp would go a long way toward a Hawthorn win.

Teia Miles

Your first official AFL game is always a big one, and against the in-form Adelaide Crows on the MCG stage is about as big a Round 2 game as they come. Miles was pivotal in Box Hill's practice match last week, following on from an admirable JLT series. The versatile young defender will be looking to build on his solid pre-season, and cement his place in the Hawks' starting line up for years to come. At home when rebounding off the half back line, Miles also has the ability to swing forward and hit the scoreboard when needed.

Read: Hawthorn announce Round 2 team 

Rory Sloane

Coming off a maiden All Australian berth in 2016, Sloane flourished last year, averaging career-highs in disposals (25.2), contested possessions (13) and tackles (7.1). Clearly unhindered by the departure of Patrick Dangerfield, Sloane is now the clear Rolls Royce in the Adelaide midfield. The Hawks will have to keep a close eye on Sloane around stoppages, as he represents a key component to Adelaide’s success.

Rory Laird

The Hawks have simple directions for stopping key Adelaide players: any Crow with the first name Rory must not have an impact. Rory, of the “Laird” variety, was pivotal in the Crows triumph over the Giants last week, gathering a career-high 40 disposals. Laird is the Crows’ best back-half ball-user, operating at 85% disposal efficiency last week, so the Hawks will be determined to cut off as much of his supply as they can.