Jaeger O’Meara
With Saturday’s midfield battle set to be a defining factor on the result, Jaeger O’Meara’s return to the Hawks line-up is significant.
Interestingly, the Hawks and the Saints are two of the worst four teams in the competition in clearances.
But the Hawks will be buoyed by the former Sun’s return, who sits second to only Tom Mitchell (5.2, O’Meara 4.7) in clearances per game.
O’Meara will be hoping for a quick return to his opening season form as he re-joins an improving Hawthorn midfield.
Read: O'Meara's inclusion a boost for Hawks' midfield
Jack Gunston
In his four games playing against the Saints as a Hawk, not only have the Hawks been undefeated, but Jack Gunston has thrived, averaging 18 disposals and 2.25 goals.
After playing the best game of his season last week against the Eagles, Gunston will be keen to continue his form, which saw him kick three goals and gather 21 disposals.
Ben McEvoy
Another of last week’s stand-outs, Ben McEvoy will again be called upon to shoulder the bulk of the ruck load against the Saints.
Playing against his former side for only the third time since moving to Hawthorn in 2014, McEvoy has matched up well against the Saints in his past two encounters, averaging 12 disposals, 24 hit-outs and 4.5 tackles.
McEvoy’s season average of 28.6 hit-outs per game is a career-high, as he has revelled in his 2017 role.
Seb Ross
Enjoying career-highs in disposals (27.4), rebound 50s (1.8), inside 50s (4), clearances (4.2) and contested possessions (10.2), Seb Ross has clearly taken his game to the next level this year.
His disposal and contested possession averages lead the Saints, as well as his goal assists average, highlighting his importance to the Saints’ dynamic.
Read: Opposition analysis Round 6
Dylan Roberton
Another Saint that is enjoying a break-out year, Roberton is achieving career-highs in virtually every statistical category.
He is one of, if not the, primary Saint ball-user out of defensive 50, operating at 80% efficiency on his 25 touches per game.
There is no coincidence that Roberton’s best two games of the year have resulted in Saints victories, highlighting the importance that the Hawks will place on cutting off his supply this Saturday.
