Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)
The acting skipper led from the front last week against Fremantle, collecting 25 disposals, eight clearances and eight tackles in a great show of leadership.
It has been a tough week for Jordan Lewis for obvious reasons, but hopefully he can continue his form and play some of his best footy in a big match against the Swans this week.
James Frawley (Hawthorn)
James Frawley has largely gone unrecognised this season, but has been a pillar of strength in the Hawthorn defence. He returned to the Hawks’ side last week after missing with concussion, and was solid with 18 disposals at 100% efficiency.
‘Chip’ will have his work cut out tonight trying to stop one of the game’s best players in Lance Franklin, but if there is a key defender who is up to the task right now, it’s Frawley.
Isaac Smith (Hawthorn)
Isaac Smith has returned to some of his best footy in the last two weeks, backing up his 25-disposal game against Richmond with a 27-disposal performance against the Dockers last week in a best on ground display.
The Swans have a number of quick midfielders and so Smith’s leg speed on the wide expanses of the MCG will be very important this week.
Lance Franklin (Sydney)
It’s always an intriguing spectacle when Lance Franklin takes on his old side, and this week is no exception.
Franklin is in red-hot form right now, sitting four goals clear at the top of the Coleman Medal race and has returned to some of his best form in 2016 which makes the Swans a very dangerous team.
Limiting his influence on the game, as well as Sydney’s other big-name players, will be a big task for the Hawks.
Luke Parker (Sydney)
Luke Parker has averaged almost 29 disposals per match in 2016, and is as influential as any with what he is able to do every time he gets the ball.
It’s his work in close which makes him such a high quality player, with Parker averaging 14.6 contested possessions per game.
The Tigers kept him to just 20 disposals last week, and the Hawks will want to replicate that tonight.