Can the Hawks stop Jeremy Cameron? 

Last time the Hawks met the Giants, Jeremy Cameron was the match-winner – booting seven goals in his side’s 10-point win.

After missing the first four games of 2016, the star forward slotted five against St Kilda at the weekend and looks determined to make up for lost time.

First crack at Cameron will likely fall to the in-form James Frawley, who did not play last time the Hawks and Giants met, and has started the year with strong defensive performances in all five games.

Can flexible forward line continue to fire?

Over the past four weeks, the Hawks forward line has found a way to function – and flourish – without injured vice-captain Jarryd Roughead.

Last year, the Hawks ranked first for inside 50s – and marks inside 50 – whereas this year they’re currently ranked 10^th and equal 16^th.

But despite the stats, the Hawks are finding a way to get over the line. Against the Eagles and Bulldogs it was James Sicily and Cyril Rioli who stood up in front of goal, against the Saints it was a spread of contributors, and against the Crows it was Paul Puopolo and Rioli.

Who will it be this week?

Who wins the ruck duel?

Hawks duo Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar have had a solid start to 2016 and will have another big challenge on their hands this week.

You could argue that ruckman Shane Mumford is the Giants’ most important player – not just in giving his side first use, but with his overall presence around the ball.

The Hawks rank second for hit-outs and clearances in 2016, with the Giants ranked 11^th and equal sixth by comparison in those categories.

Will the Giants lock down on Sam Mitchell?

There’s no denying that Sam Mitchell has found the ball at will over the first five weeks of the season.

He leads the competition for disposals (35.4 per match) and is ranked fourth for clearances (7.4 per match). Not only that, but Mitchell averages 34 disposals per game in his three career games against the Giants, second only behind his efforts against Gold Coast (34.4 per game).

How the Giants go about trying to limit Mitchell’s influence could be pivotal to the result.

Tackling the tackle count

It’s been a strength for the Hawks in 2016, but not quite for the Giants.

Hawthorn averages 84.4 tackles per game in 2016 – number one in the competition – compared to the Giants’ 59.4 tackles per game – number 18 in the competition.

In a match between fifth and sixth on the ladder, with plenty on the line for both sides, it’s bound to be a high-pressure contest in which strong tackling could have an impact.

Cyril Rioli (33), Will Langford (32) and Shaun Burgoyne (31) are the Hawks’ leading tacklers, while ruckman Shane Mumford (25) has been the Giants’ best.