HAWTHORN is yet to name an unchanged side in 2016, and that trend will continue for Friday night’s clash against Essendon.
 
The Hawks will be forced to make at least one change – with ruckman Jonathon Ceglar suspended – but multiple changes again look a likely option.
 
Second-year ruckman Marc Pittonet appears to be the front-runner to replace Ceglar, as a like-for-like option.
 
Pittonet made his AFL debut in Round 1 this year – when Ceglar was a late withdrawal with a back injury – and has since been a consistent performer for Box Hill Hawks.
 
On top of that, he’s one of few fit big men waiting in the wings - with Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion), Matt Spangher (hamstring) and Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) sidelined over the past fortnight.

WATCH: BUPA Recovery Report - Round 11
 
In-and-under midfielder Will Langford is also a likely starter.
 
Langford missed Saturday’s win against the Dees after being managed, with a few bumps and bruises. But with nine AFL games under his belt in 2016, the premiership Hawk looms as an automatic inclusion if fit.
 
It’s likely to be a tough decision for the match committee, with the man who replaced Langford – debutant Kade Stewart – impressing many with his attack on the ball and opposition in his first game.
 
On the injury front, skipper Luke Hodge is still a couple of weeks away, while at VFL level there were a number of impressive performers – albeit with a five-day break, it may be a tough ask to call upon them.
 
First-year midfielder Kieran Lovell starred in the VFL Hawks’ win against North Ballarat, collecting 31 disposals, plus seven clearances, eight tackles, five inside 50s and seven rebound 50s.

But Lovell wasn’t the only strong performer.
 
Brendan Whitecross (23 disposals, four clearances) was influential as he continues to push for his first senior game for 2016, as was Angus Litherland (nine disposals, 22 pressure acts).
 
Yet-to-debut duo Blake Hardwick and Teia Miles impressed in attack and defence respectively, Kaiden Brand made an impact at both ends of the ground, and midfielder Jonathan O’Rourke again showed promising signs as he makes his way back from a hamstring injury.