Hawthorn will be forced to make at least one change ahead of its clash with the Demons, with forward Jonathon Patton (hamstring) set for a four-week stint on the sidelines.

Shaun Burgoyne is likely to come straight back in after he was rested for Round 6, and will certainly be a handy inclusion for the Hawks.

If the Hawthorn selection panel opt for further changes to the side that fell to Collingwood by 32 points, there are several young players putting their hand up for senior selection with strong scratch match performances.

After getting a taste of AFL football in Round 6, Harrison Jones was somewhat lucky to be omitted last week, and further pushed his case with another solid performance in the weekend’s scratch match against GWS.

Darren Minchington is another exciting player who continues to impress in the scrimmages. The former Saint booted two goals and helped set up several others.

Read: All the injury news

Ollie Hanrahan has also responded well following his omission from the senior side two weeks ago. His creativity in front of goal was on show over the weekend, as he also added a major and provided plenty of assists.

Keegan Brooksby was another who looked dangerous up forward, and could be considered by the Hawks’ selection panel should they opt for a tall target to replace Patton. The newest Hawk (picked up in this year’s supplementary selection period) took multiple contested grabs and has regularly impacted the scoreboard throughout Hawthorn’s scratch matches.

Meanwhile, Mitch Lewis faces a race against the clock to prove his fitness in time for selection - he was held out of Round 6 with a hip complaint.

Jarman Impey is unlikely to be recalled this week, though the Hawks will be hopeful of regaining the explosive defender within the next fortnight following his impressive scratch match return.