Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn)
After producing a standout individual performance for the Hawks on Easter Monday, Mitchell will need to be at his best again this weekend against the Eagles.
Going up against the likes of Matt Priddis and Luke Shuey will be a big challenge, and without skipper Luke Hodge, Mitchell’s experience around the stoppages will become even more important for the Hawks.
Mitchell has enjoyed himself against the Eagles in recent times, averaging 35 disposals in his past three matches against them.
Josh Kennedy (West Coast)
After bagging eight goals against Brisbane, the 2015 Coleman Medallist will be very keen to atone for a quiet game against the Hawks in the 2015 Grand Final where he was well held by James Frawley.
He won’t be the only West Coast player with that mindset, and it could be a driving factor for the visitors on Sunday.
Kennedy snagged 80 goals in 2015 and looks set for a rematch with Frawley.
Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn)
The 2015 Norm Smith Medallist was quiet in Round 1 against the Cats, collecting nine disposals at just a tick over 55 per cent efficiency, and will be out to have a big impact against the Eagles.
The Hawthorn live-wire will be hoping he can reproduce a performance equal to his 2015 decider, where he terrorised the Eagles with his pressure and ability to find the ball forward of centre – as well as impact the scoreboard.
Nic Naitanui (West Coast)
Another Eagle who had a quiet Grand Final, Naitanui started 2016 with a bang against the Lions, collecting 22 disposals and 46 hit-outs to be among the most influential players on the ground.
Naitanui will be partnered by Scott Lycett in the ruck against the Hawks, and his form against Hawthorn duo Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar will be crucial in who wins the midfield battle.
McEvoy will enter the game in strong form, while Ceglar is back after missing Round 1 with a back spasm.
Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)
Which role will Josh Gibson play this week?
The 2015 Peter Crimmins Medallist was among the Hawks’ best players in last year’s decider, and it will be interesting to see if the key Hawk will need play a shut-down role or be able to come third-man in at contests.
With a potent Eagles’ forward line – including the likes of Kennedy, Darling, LeCras and possibly McGovern and Naitanui – Gibson’s leadership, ability to chop out opposition attacks and rebound off half back will be vitally important.
