Liam Shiels (Hawthorn)
Having played three games now, Liam Shiels looks to be settling into his work after missing the first two games of the season with a wrist injury.
The hard inside midfielder collected 19 touches last week, but also laid a massive 12 tackles – an integral part of his role within the Hawthorn midfield.
Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)
Cyril Rioli once again showed just how dangerous he can be inside 50 for the Hawks, even with limited amount of possession.
He was influential in Hawthorn’s come-from-behind win against the Crows last Friday, kicking four goals and laying 10 tackles, but also drawing attention away from Paul Puopolo, who bagged five goals in a best on ground performance.
Rioli’s output will be crucial to Hawthorn’s chances of taking the points over GWS this week.
Luke Breust (Hawthorn)
Luke Breust looked to be playing higher up the ground last week against the Crows, in doing so allowed Rioli and Puopolo one-on-one opportunities with their direct opponents.
Breust still collected 20 touches and a goal, but recorded five tackles and five inside 50s as well.
Hawthorn fans know how dangerous Breust is around the goals, but an increased role in the midfield could make him even more problematic for the opposition.
Heath Shaw (GWS)
After a disappointing game against Port Adelaide two weeks ago, Shaw returned to his rebounding best against St Kilda.
He registered 27 touches at 74% efficiency, but more importantly 22 of those were kicks – showing that GWS love to get the ball in his hands coming out of defence.
Although he’s starting to get some help from the Giants’ younger half backs, Shaw is still the man to watch in the defensive end.
Dylan Shiel (GWS)
After a hamstring injury curtailed his 2015 season, Shiel is back and reminding everyone that he is one of the best young midfielders in the game.
Shiel collected 22 possessions at above 80% efficiency against the Saints last week, but exploded against the Power the week before, with 31 touches and nine clearances. AFL fans can expect to see more of those types of performances from him in the future.
