Will Jack Gunston continue his good form?

Jack Gunston was Hawthorn’s best player last week, kicking five goals in a disappointing loss to GWS.

With Richmond missing Alex Rance due to suspension, the opportunity is there for Gunston to kick another bag of goals against the Tigers tonight.

He kicked three against Richmond last year, and will be hoping to match – if not better – that effort this time around.

Can the Hawks win the contested possession count?

Alastair Clarkson says that the Hawks don’t necessarily rely on winning contested possession, but it has been a factor in their performances over the last month.

The Hawks were soundly beaten in the clinches last week against the Giants, losing the contested possession count by 39.

Winning the hard ball against the Tigers could be the catalyst for a return to form for the reigning premiers.

How will Hawthorn’s youngsters fare on the big stage?

It’s noticeable that Hawthorn is beginning to get games into some young stars of the future.

James Sicily, Daniel Howe, Angus Litherland, Tim O’Brien, Kieran Lovell and now Kaiden Brand will have all featured in the senior side in the first seven games in 2016.

The spotlight doesn’t get any bigger than Friday night at the ‘G against the Tigers, and how Hawthorn’s young players perform will go a long way to determining the result of the match.

Will both sides cope without key players?

The Tigers will be without captain Trent Cotchin this week after he suffered a fractured cheekbone against Port Adelaide.

They will also be missing key defender Alex Rance, who is serving the second week of a suspension.

But the Hawks are also missing their captain Luke Hodge and defender James Frawley, meaning both sides will need other players to stand up in their absence.

Can Richmond turn hitouts into clearances?

Richmond dominated the hitouts last week against Port Adelaide 64 to 24, yet only had six more clearances than the Power, who omitted first-choice ruckman Matthew Lobbe.

It won’t be any easier this week for Shaun Hampson and Ben Griffiths (who comes in for Ivan Maric) against Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar, who are two established ruckmen.

The Tigers will want to make every hitout at a stoppage count, if they are going to get their hands on the footy first tonight.