Much of the decision-making process of Hawthorn’s match committee this week is set to revolve around the concept of risk versus reward. 

The likes of Jaeger O’Meara (hand), Jarman Impey (rib) and Jonathon Patton (plantaris tendon) are all on the cusp of returns, but Hawks Coach Alastair Clarkson has alluded to the possibility of leaving the trio out of the side.

"All of (O'Meara, Impey and Patton) at different stages over the course of the last two or three years have had injury interruptions to their careers," Clarkson said on Friday.

"For the sake of one or two games coming back, just to get a game or two under their belt, maybe we're better off just going with the young kids.”

The Hawks will be forced to make at least one change with reigning Peter Crimmins Medallist James Worpel ruled out for the remainder of the season after he injured his AC joint in last week’s loss to the Saints.

Veteran pair Ben McEvoy and Shaun Burgoyne were managed in Round 16, with the duo likely in line for a recall in the side’s penultimate match of the year.

But the selection table could also look to the other end of the experience spectrum, with Jackson Ross and Finn Maginness both still eyeing a senior debut in 2020.

Ross and Maginness were both among the travelling emergencies who joined the 22 on the Gold Coast last week, suggesting an opportunity is potentially imminent.