HAWTHORN will be forced to make two changes after last week’s loss to Melbourne, but could make a couple more with key players likely to return from injury.

Ben Stratton injured his pectoral muscle in the second term of last Saturday’s match and took no further part, with scans revealing a small tear which will keep him out for at least three weeks.

James Sicily will also miss this week’s game against North Melbourne after accepting a one-game ban for striking Demon Bernie Vince in the second quarter in the Hawks’ 29-point loss.

But Hawthorn are a chance to regain some high-quality players, with James Frawley (shoulder), Paul Puopolo (hip) and Liam Shiels (hamstring) all a chance to return to the side.

Frawley was a late withdrawal against the Demons with a jarred shoulder, opening the door for Kiwi product Kurt Heatherley to make his AFL debut.

Puopolo has missed the last two weeks with a hip complaint, but will make himself available if he can pass a fitness test later in the week.

Shiels has missed four weeks with a hamstring injury which he sustained in Hawthorn’s win over Port Adelaide in Round 16 but is training strongly in an effort to play against North Melbourne.

There are plenty of players putting their hand up for selection in the VFL – Angus Litherland boosting his chances of a senior call-up with a dominant performance for Box Hill in their win over Werribee.

Litherland had 26 disposals and kicked a goal and looms as a likely replacement for Stratton in defence.

Daniel Howe was also prominent with 21 disposals (12 contested) and six clearances despite playing just three quarters of football.

First-year player Ryan Burton pushed his case to be the sixth Hawk debutant this season with an eye-catching 16-disposal game which included nine marks and three goals.

Jack Fitzpatrick (19 disposals and three goals), Dallas Willsmore (22 disposals and eight marks) and Alex Woodward (18 disposals) also played well and are keeping the pressure on for spots in the AFL team.