Ben McEvoy
McEvoy is one of the most in-form Hawks, averaging 17.5 disposals, 34.5 hit-outs and 1.5 goals over the last fortnight.
McEvoy will have an opportunity to continue this form as he takes on Melbourne’s depleted ruck stocks, led primarily by Cam Pederson.
Cyril Rioli
Rioli returns this week to meet an opposition that he has tormented in the past.
In his last three games against the Demons, Rioli has averaged 12.33 disposals, 2.66 goals and 9.66 tackles.
Rioli showed glimpses of his best in his last game against the Eagles, and Hawks fans will be hoping he can continue this form against Melbourne.
Tom Mitchell
Tom Mitchell leads the Hawthorn midfield into yet another tough challenge against a stacked Melbourne midfield brigade this weekend.
Mitchell himself remains atop the league in average disposals per game this season (34.3), but the Melbourne midfield will throw everything at him with their plethora of ball-winners including Clayton Oliver (31.7 disposals per game), Nathan Jones (28.2), Jordan Lewis (26.3), Dom Tyson (25.6) and Jack Viney (21.3).
Jordan Lewis
With Sam Mitchell failing to be deemed fit to take on the Hawks in round five, Hawks fans avoided the challenge of having to see a favourite son in foreign colours.
But the same luxury won’t be afforded to Hawthorn supporters this week as they will watch on as Jordan Lewis dons the red and the blue for the first time against his old club.
Lewis has enjoyed a strong start at his new club, averaging 26.3 disposals a game, and he will undoubtedly be relishing the opportunity to take on his old side, with whom he won four premierships.
Read: Lewis says it will be "strange" facing old teammates
Jack Watts
Jack Watts has become one of the Demons most important players this season, especially after the injuries to ruck pair Max Gawn and Jake Spencer.
The utility has been forced to spend time in the ruck at moments throughout the year, as well as playing forward, where he has enjoyed a strong start to the year, averaging 17.7 disposals and two goals a game.
