3. Jordan Lewis

After a quiet start to the season by his own lofty standards, Jordan Lewis has enjoyed a blistering two months of football.

In the absence of skipper Luke Hodge, Lewis’ leadership has been superb.

The 30-year-old has again been one of the Hawks’ midfield leaders, averaging close to 27 disposals per game and being the club’s leading clearance winner.

He was extremely important against Brisbane Lions, racking up 42 disposals, and has played pivotal roles in wins against finals contenders North Melbourne and West Coast

Key moment: Undoubtedly this was Lewis’ 250th game against Brisbane Lions. The Hawks were challenged by the struggling Lions and Lewis responded with a brilliant captain’s performance – winning 42 disposals, nine clearances and kicking a pivotal goal.

AFL matches: 14
Disposals per game: 26.9 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Contested poss. per game: 10.4 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Goals: 7
Kicks: 187 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Handballs: 189 (1st at Hawthorn)
Clearances: 80 (1st at Hawthorn)
Inside 50s: 57 (equal 2nd at Hawthorn)

5. Sam Mitchell

Like a fine wine, Sam Mitchell just keeps getting better.

The 33-year-old has been the Hawks’ leading midfield performer in 2016, averaging close to 30 disposals from his 12 games.

Mitchell’s was arguably the competition’s best player in the first five weeks of the season, and was at his brilliant best against Gold Coast on the weekend.

Whether it’s winning the ball in the middle, or setting up play across half-back, Mitchell has been as important as ever.  

Key moment: Mitchell’s class is often praised, but occasionally his courage flies under the radar. After taking a courageous mark and copping a big bump from North Melbourne’s Jack Ziebell, Mitchell bounced back to his feet, accepted the 50-metre penalty and set up an Isaac Smith goal.

AFL matches: 12
Disposals per game: 29.7 (1st at Hawthorn)
Contested poss. per game: 9.6 (3rd at Hawthorn)
Uncontested poss. per game: 19.7 (1st at Hawthorn)
Goals: 0
Kicks: 186 (3rd at Hawthorn)
Handballs: 170 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Clearances: 67 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Bounces: 14 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Inside 50s: 57 (equal 2nd at Hawthorn)

7. Ben McEvoy

Ben McEvoy has had a slightly modified role in 2016, spending more time up forward with the retirement of David Hale and absence of Jarryd Roughead.

The dual premiership ruckman has again been solid in the middle, in partnership with Jonathon Ceglar, and has offered a marking target up forward

McEvoy ranks third at Hawthorn for contested marks, and has made the most of his shots on goal – he’s shooting at almost 70 per cent.

Key moment: With the game in the balance against North Melbourne, McEvoy read the Roos’ defensive rebound, sprinted to courageously spoil Jack Ziebell, and set up a goal for Billy Hartung which opened up an eight-point advantage nearing three-quarter time.

AFL matches: 14
Disposals per game: 10.9
Goals: 9
Hit-outs: 259 (2nd at Hawthorn)
Contested marks: 18 (3rd at Hawthorn)
Goal kicking accuracy: 69.2 per cent (2nd at Hawthorn)

11. Brendan Whitecross

Brendan Whitecross has been a strong contributor for Box Hill Hawks in 2016 – and perhaps unlucky not to have played a senior game.

With the ability to play across all three lines, Whitecross has been a key player at VFL level – and his leadership in a young side has been invaluable.

The 26-year-old has been an emergency and should continue to knock on the door for senior selection in the run to finals.

VFL matches: 10

13. Jonathan O'Rourke

Jonathan O’Rourke has been one of the Hawks’ big improvers in 2016, but injuries have limited his ability to push for senior opportunities.

The 22-year-old played the first three matches at AFL level, showing some promising signs, but hamstring and thumb injuries have since kept him out of football for about six weeks.

A couple of strong performances at VFL level (between the two injuries) had O’Rourke pushing for a senior recall – and he will be hoping to break back into the senior team after the bye.

AFL matches: 3
Disposals per game: 15.7
Goals: 1
Goal-kicking accuracy: 100 per cent (1st at Hawthorn)

VFL matches: 5

15. Luke Hodge

It’s been a luckless season so far for skipper Luke Hodge.

A broken arm in Round 1, a knee injury in Round 6, and a hand injury while recovering from the knee injury have restricted the Hawks’ inspirational leader to just five games.

But if his return performance against Gold Coast Suns on the weekend was anything to go by, expect a big second half of the season from the star Hawk.

Key moment: The Return. After missing seven games and having his future questioned by some in the media, Hodge returned with a bang against the Suns, collecting 28 disposals in a performance which reiterated just how important a player he is for the Hawks.

AFL matches: 5
Disposals per game: 22.4
Goals: 0

29. Will Langford

Will Langford has played 10 of 14 games this year – after an injury-interrupted 2015 – but hasn’t quite been able to recapture the brilliant form he displayed at the end of 2014.

The 23-year-old’s contested ball has again been a highlight of his game – he ranks first for contested possessions per game at the club – and has also been strong in the clearances.

But after missing the past two games, the premiership Hawk will be determined to bounce back and regain a senior berth in the run to finals football.

Key moment: A big game against a big rival – Round 1 against Geelong at the MCG. With the Hawks trailing by around 30 points in the second term, Langford kicked two goals in the space of 10 minutes – including a classy snap - to keep his side in the hunt.

AFL matches: 10
Disposals per game: 17.8
Contested poss. per game: 11.1 (1st at Hawthorn)
Goals: 3
Clearances: 43 (equal 3rd at Hawthorn)

39. Alex Woodward

It’s been a long road back for Alex Woodward, but the good news is he’s about to return.

Woodward hasn’t played since mid-way through 2015, after injuring his knee and requiring a third knee reconstruction.

However, the proven ball-winner looks set to return for Box Hill’s development side this week – and who knows what the remainder of 2016 could hold for Woodward if he can get an injury-free run.

Yet to play in 2016

43. Marc Pittonet

Marc Pittonet was a surprise debutant in Round 1 – as a late inclusion for Jonathon Ceglar – but the young ruckman has shown some good signs in his two AFL matches.

One of four debutants in 2016, Pittonet has displayed that he is a strong competitor – in the air and at ground level – and will be a player to watch in years to come.

In between his senior games in Round 1 and Round 12, the 20-year-old ruckman has been a strong contributor at VFL level.

Key moment: The first win in brown and gold. It didn’t happen in Round 1, but it did in Round 12 – and Pittonet laid six tackles (the most for Hawthorn) in a big win against the Bombers.

AFL matches: 2
Disposals per game: 6
Goals: 0

VFL matches: 5