Grant Birchall (Hawthorn)

Defender Grant Birchall had one of his best games for the year last week against the Kangaroos, picking up 20 disposals at 95 per cent disposal efficiency.

Birchall’s drive out of defence is pivotal for the Hawks – and the four-time premiership player loves playing in his home state.

The Tassie product averages 23.2 disposals per game in Launceston – his second-highest average at any AFL venue.

Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)

The captaincy has sat well with Hawks star Jordan Lewis over the past seven weeks.

Since the GWS game, he has averaged exactly 30 touches and produced at least four clearances per game.

While he may relinquish the captaincy this week with the possible return of Luke Hodge, he will still be crucially important in the clinches against the likes of Gary Ablett, Michael Rischitelli and Dion Prestia.

James Sicily (Hawthorn)

Having played a ‘breakout’ game last week against the Kangaroos - where he booted five goals and earned a NAB Rising Star nomination - James Sicily is now looking like a player who truly belongs at the top level.

The young gun’s clean hands and dead-eye accuracy in front of goal is beginning to be a real asset for the Hawks, who are adapting to life without Jarryd Roughead.

Sicily’s rise – alongside that of Tim O’Brien - has made that transition much easier.

Dion Prestia (Gold Coast Suns)

Dion Prestia is one of the best young midfielders in the AFL, and when he is fit and firing he’s one of the Suns’ most valuable players.

Prestia has collected less than 20 disposals in a game on just one occasion in 2016, and although the Gold Coast’s form-line hasn’t been great, Prestia has been a model of consistency and certainly will be one to watch on Sunday.

Tom Lynch (Gold Coast Suns)

Suns' vice-captain Tom Lynch has emerged as one of the competition's star forwards.

While his side has only won three games for the season, Lynch's return of 39 goals from 12 matches is outstanding. He sits in third place on the Coleman Medal table and has taken 29 contested marks for the season - equal fifth in the competition.

Stopping Lynch will be a key focus for the Hawks' defenders, with James Frawley likely to get the task.