Luke Hodge 

It’s been a big week for Luke Hodge. The 33-year old put an end to speculation that 2017 may be his last year on Monday, when he announced his intentions to retire at the end of this season. The news means that each and every remaining game this year will be a part of a farewell tour to one of the game’s greats. That process begins this Saturday, when the four-time premiership hero takes on the arch-rival, Geelong, in his 300^th game. Hodge will become just the eighth player to play 300 games for the Hawks and will be hopeful to celebrate this achievement with a win over the Cats.

Read: The best 'Hodgey' moments

Tom Mitchell 

Tom Mitchell created his own piece of history this week after notching up a 12^th consecutive 30-disposal game against GWS. Mitchell now holds the record for the most consecutive games with 30 or more touches. Coming up against, arguably, the most formidable midfield in the competition, Mitchell will have his work cut out for him if he is to extend his new title another game further.

Daniel Howe

Three weeks ago, Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson tasked Daniel Howe with the responsibility of looking after Adelaide star Rory Sloane. It was a reasonably foreign role for the 22-year old but one that he has since shown that he is more than willing to accept. Such was his success at nullifying Sloane that he has since gone head-to-head with two other superstars of the competition, Magpie Scott Pendlebury and Giant Dylan Shiel. With the Hawks facing a Geelong midfield cluttered with stars this Saturday afternoon, Howe will acknowledge that who his next assignment may be, it will be yet another test for the promising, young Hawk.

Patrick Dangerfield

Patrick Dangerfield is in career-best form. Yes, that is a big call given he is the reigning Brownlow Medallist but the 27-year old has found a way to improve on the 2016 version of himself. While averaging almost exactly the same amount of disposals as last year (31.6 per game), ‘Danger’ has extended his threat inside forward 50, where is averaging 1.8 goals per game. To put this into context, the former Crow currently finds himself ranked third in the league for total disposals and 19^th for goals, in front of the likes of past All Australian forwards Nick Riewoldt, Luke Breust and Jake Stringer.

Read: Opposition analysis Round 17

Joel Selwood 

Joel Selwood keeps on keeping on. The 29-year old is averaging the sixth-most contested possessions in the league, while averaging over 24.5 disposals for the 10^th consecutive season. The Cats skipper has enjoyed another stellar year, with his side shaping as a flag contender in 2017. The Hawks have become accustomed to having to keep an eye on Selwood over the last decade, a factor that will be as necessary as ever in this weekend’s grudge match.