THERE’S bound to be plenty of competition for senior spots at Hawthorn over the next two months as the team ramps up preparations for the 2016 season. 

But who do YOU think should line up against Geelong Cats in our season opener on Easter Monday at the MCG?

We want to know what you think – and based on the structure of last year’s premiership team, you can vote for your best 22.

Pick the three key defenders, four medium/small defenders, two ruckmen, six midfielders, four medium/small forwards and three key forwards you want to see run out in the brown and gold in Round 1.

Head to the bottom of the page to cast your votes for your four medium/small defenders.

Grant Birchall

Age: 27
Height: 193 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Games: 216 

As solid as ever in defence in 2015, four-time premiership Hawk Birchall will look to offer his trademark rebound and precision kicking to his team's advantage in 2016.

Shaun Burgoyne

Age: 33
Height: 186 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Games: 295 

Capable of playing almost every position on the ground - and producing when his team needed him most - the silky-skilled Burgoyne was the only Hawk to play every game last season. Finished fifth in the Peter Crimmins Medal, highlighting his importance to the team. 

Taylor Duryea

Age: 24
Height: 179 cm
Weight: 80 kg
Games: 63 

Played 22 of a possible 26 games last season, and made a name for himself with a brilliant finals series across half back after starting as the sub in the qualifying final.

Conor Glass

Age: 18
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 84 kg
Games: 0

There's big wraps on our Irish rookie, and we can't wait to see what he can do when he returns to the club midway through the year.

Daniel Howe

Age: 20
Height: 191 cm
Weight: 83 kg
Games: 4 

Howe arrived on the scene last season, playing four games in his debut year and showing plenty of poise across half back. Got better with each game at AFL level and will be looking to take another step in 2016.

Angus Litherland

Age: 23
Height: 192 cm
Weight: 88 kg
Games: 19 

Litherland has already said he wants to make a statement in 2016, and we can't wait to see what he can do if he can seal a berth in the back six. Showed plenty of promise in his six senior games last year.

Teia Miles

Age: 19
Height: 180 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Games: 0 

Produced a consistent first year at VFL level, and will be looking to continue his development in 2016. Was named as an emergency on one occasion... could a debut be on the cards this year?

Ben Stratton

Age: 26
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 88 kg
Games: 117 

You know what you're going to get from Stratton - and he delivered again in 2015, shutting down the likes of Eddie Betts (twice), Michael Walters and Jamie Elliott. Sixth in the Peter Crimmins Medal.

Brendan Whitecross

Age: 25
Height: 183 cm
Weight: 89 kg
Games: 88

Played four senior games early in 2015 and despite strong form at VFL level, couldn't crack back into the side for finals. Signed a new contract at season's end and will be keen to make an impact in 2016.

*Note, Whitecross also available in the medium/small forwards category.