With only six of Hawthorn's 46-man squad confirmed to be unavailable for selection in Round 1, the Hawks match committee will have its work cut out in selecting the side to take on the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.

The forward pair of Jack Gunston and Mitch Lewis headline those in the rehabilitation group pushing to prove their readiness ahead of the weekend.

In his injury update on Tuesday, Hawthorn Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd said he had been pleased with the progression of both Gunston and Lewis as the season opener nears. 

Of the Hawks younger brigade looking to cement a spot in the senior side in the early part of the season, Damon Greaves and Changkuoth Jiath both performed well across their two performances in the Marsh Community Series.

Both young defenders, Greaves and Jiath will be hoping that their summer form is enough to secure a senior debut and a third career game respectively. 

One or both of these youngsters will be hoping to fill the shoes of the injured Blake Hardwick who is set to be sidelined for a stint after having his pectoral muscle operated on a fortnight ago. 

Meanwhile Jonathon Patton and Sam Frost appear likely to make their first appearances for the club after crossing to the brown and gold in last year's trade period.

The former Giant and Demon will provide key position depth for the Hawks in 2020, with their inclusion against a powerful Lions side set to be important.