HAWTHORN will be forced to make at least one change for Friday night’s huge clash with Richmond at the MCG. 

Skipper Luke Hodge is out with a knee injury – for the next four-to-six weeks – opening the door for a member of the Hawks’ young brigade to make a case for senior selection.

In-and-under midfielder Will Langford looms as a likely inclusion to cover the loss of Hodge, after GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan declared him available for selection.

Langford missed the Hawks’ loss to the Giants with a corked quad, but had averaged 19 disposals and 6.4 tackles per game in the first five rounds of the season.

After suffering concussion from a head knock against the Giants, key defender James Frawley is no certainty at this stage to take on the Tigers.

The Hawks could look at a number of options if Frawley is unable to recover in time.

Untried backman Kaiden Brand was withdrawn from Box Hill’s win against Frankston on Sunday, while fellow key defenders Kurt Heatherley (also yet-to-debut) and Matt Spangher both featured against the Dolphins.

Angus Litherland was among the VFL Hawks’ best on Sunday, and could be in line for a recall after spending the past two weeks at VFL level.

However, with Box Hill on Sunday, it may be tough for those who played to get up for Friday night’s match after just a five-day recovery period.

Up forward, Ryan Schoenmakers remains a chance to play, if he can overcome a niggling groin injury.

Schoenmakers played the first three games of the season, before missing the previous two through injury.

Jack Fitzpatrick could also be in the mix. The former Demon has played three games for Box Hill after overcoming a knee injury, and would offer the Hawks a big, mobile target inside 50.

In the midfield, a number of players will be pushing for a berth on the back of strong performances for Box Hill.

Dallas Willsmore is averaging 27 disposals per game at VFL level, while Brendan Whitecross collected 25 disposals in an impressive performance on the weekend. If there’s a need for speed, Billy Hartung could be in contention for a senior recall, while rebounding defender Teia Miles has earned praise for his performances so far in 2016.