Tom Mitchell
Yet to have a game this year under 27 disposals or 10 contested possessions, Mitchell will look to continue his impressive run of form as he takes on a midfield which is regarded as the best in the competition.
Mitchell will have his hands full battling against a midfield brigade of Adam Treloar, Scott Pendlebury and Taylor Adams, who all average at least 11 contested possessions.
Last time Mitchell met Collingwood he finished with 30 touches, nine tackles and three goals. Another game like that will do just fine. Thanks, Tom!
Ben McEvoy
What adds to the formidable nature of the Collingwood midfield is that they are feeding off one of the best ruckman in the competition in Brodie Grundy.
After an outstanding opening two months of the season, Ben McEvoy has shot his name into that conversation as well, with averages of 14 disposals, 32 hit-outs and a goal a game.
The battle between Grundy and McEvoy promises to be one to watch, and a defining factor in deciding the winner of this Round 9 clash.
Watch: Ben McEvoy the straight shooter
Jarryd Roughead
As his side has gained momentum over the past two weeks, so too has captain Jarryd Roughead began to hit his straps.
The last fortnight has seen Roughead average 17 disposals, 3.5 tackles and three goals.
The 30-year old will be hoping both individual and team form continues as the Hawks look to extend their winning streak to three games.
Read: Roughead sees silver lining in Hawk injuries
Taylor Adams
Only three players in the league are averaging at least 30 possessions, five clearances and 7.5 tackles: Tom Mitchell, Tom Rockliff and Taylor Adams.
Needless to say, Adams finds himself in elite company after taking his game to the next level this year.
The hard-nosed midfielder is also averaging career-highs in contested possessions and inside 50s, highlighting the increased value in his disposal for the Pies.
Scott Pendlebury
The five-time All Australian is on track for his eighth consecutive season in which he has averaged over 26.5 disposals per game.
Also consider that, over that period, Pendlebury has recorded double-digit averages in contested possession and at least five tackles a game, and one can acknowledge why the 29-year old has been such a consistent threat to opposition sides for such a long time.
Interestingly, Hawthorn is the only team in the AFL that Pendlebury does not boast a winning record over, so the Collingwood captain will be determined to get one back on the Hawks this Saturday night.
