HAWTHORN will need to make at least one change to the side which defeated Brisbane on the weekend, for Saturday’s clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

Defender Matt Spangher will miss with a hamstring injury, sustained in the opening minutes against the Lions. In positive news, Isaac Smith and Josh Gibson are both expected to be to fit to play, after sustaining minor ankle and leg injuries respectively against the Lions.

So who could be in the selection mix?

With Spangher out, defenders Kaiden Brand and Angus Litherland would appear to be the front-runners.

Key defender Brand was the unlucky man omitted for Spangher last week (he was named as an emergency), after playing his first two AFL games and not looking out of place.

Rebounding defender Litherland played the first four matches at AFL level, but has since been impressive in the VFL over the past couple of weeks.

The Demons played a smaller forward line last week – with Jesse Hogan and Jack Watts the key position targets – and if they go with a similar set-up this week, Litherland’s leg speed could be handy against the likes of Dean Kent and Jeff Garlett.

Box Hill Hawks had no game over the weekend, meaning there are plenty of fresh legs to call upon.

Daniel Howe and Teia Miles could come into consideration, after being named as emergencies last week, with both capable of playing multiple roles.

Howe has been in-and-out of the senior side this year, but can play across half back or through the midfield, while yet-to-debut Miles has impressed as both a tackling, rebounding defender and a small forward.

Midfielder Jonathan O’Rourke made astrong return from injury a fortnight ago, after missing a month with a hamstring injury, while Ryan Schoenmakers looks set for another week at VFL level as he builds fitness after a five-week layoff with a groin injury.

Former Demon Jack Fitzpatrick could be an outside chance, is the Hawks look to stretch the Demons’ defence with another strong, tall marking option, while Brendan Whitecross is waiting in the wings and stringing together some impressive VFL performances.