Jack Gunston (Hawthorn)

Didn’t quite take his kicking boots to Launceston last week, finishing with 1.4 for the day, but the important thing is Gunston found plenty of the footy against the Blues.

The key forward had a good game against the Dees last time around and he will be wanting to continue his good form at the MCG where he has kicked 20 goals in seven matches in 2016.

Luke Hodge (Hawthorn)

The skipper was quiet by his lofty standards last week, but still collected 18 disposals and a goal in Hawthorn’s win over Carlton.

Melbourne’s midfield is one of the most improved in the competition this season, so Hodge and his midfield brigade will need to be ready for the contest today.

Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)

Lewis’ stellar season rolled on last week with 27 touches (ten contested) nine marks and a goal against Carlton and he took on the dominant midfielder’s role with Hodge and Mitchell a bit quieter than usual.

The Hawthorn vice-captain is averaging over 26 disposals per game at the ‘G this year, so expect him to find plenty of the footy this afternoon.

Max Gawn (Melbourne)

Gawn has emerged as one of the competition’s best ruckman this season and is a real weapon for Melbourne in the midfield with his hit outs to advantage.

The bearded giant had a massive 60 hit outs last week as he controlled the aerial contests against the Suns, so Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar will need to work in tandem to nullify his influence.

Jack Watts (Melbourne)

Watts was the hero at both ends of the ground for Melbourne last week, kicking the match winning goal with just minutes’ left in the game, as well as taking some important marks in defence late.

He looks as though he is becoming a really versatile player for the Dees, and emerging as the player they thought he would be when he was taken with the number one draft pick in 2008.