Tom Mitchell

Coming up against his former side this week, the Hawks will again be relying on Tom Mitchell to have another dominant game inside the contest. 

It’s fair to say Mitchell has been in some solid form over the last six weeks, averaging 38.5 disposals, 14.7 contested possessions, 7.2 clearances and six tackles.

Earlier this week, Swans coach John Longmire conceded that the former Swan is playing a brand of footy that is almost impossible to stop.

"No matter how hard you work to try and shut him down, it's almost a given he's going to get the ball," Longmire said.

Read: Swans plan for Tom

 

Jack Gunston

Coming off recording a career-high 35 disposals last week against Fremantle, Gunston has found himself a new niche at an unfamiliar end of the ground.

Playing across half-back, Gunston has been poached from the forward line in order to bring his precision kicking and marking ability to the defensive end. 

With the Swans typically a side Gunston thrives against, the 25-year old will be keen to continue that record from the other end of the ground this Friday night.

 

Daniel Howe

In many respects, Daniel Howe is a reflection of the Hawks’ impressive turn of form since their bye. 

Since the midseason break, Howe has been tasked with running with some of the competition’s biggest names including Scott Pendlebury, Joel Selwood and Nat Fyfe, all while the Hawks have recorded one of the best records of any side over that period. 

Facing Sydney this week, the Swans have no shortage of midfield guns that would be ripe for Howe’s picking.

Whether it be Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery or Luke Parker, Howe will be facing another massive test as he looks to limit an on-ball combination currently in full flight.

 

Lance Franklin

Lance Franklin notched up his 50th goal of the season in the Swans’ win over the Saints last week, a feat he has now achieved in every year of the past 11, save for 2015 when he kicked 47.

Hawks fans will be aware of Buddy’s goalkicking ways, but the 30-year old continues to amaze football fans on a weekly basis with the durability of his freakish talent.

He is showing no signs of slowing down and, facing a Hawthorn backline this week without Josh Gibson and James Frawley, will be looking to have a big game against his former side. 

Read: How does Buddy play against the Hawks?

Luke Parker 

Despite many pundits suggesting Parker has had a down year in 2017, the 24-year old’s 25.5 possessions a game this season is only one touch less than his 2016 average that earned him his maiden All Australian honour.

Parker is indisputably one of the Swans’ most important players, a key pillar of how the Swans want to play the game and a man that Hawthorn must look to stop if they are going to knock off this rampaging Swans outfit.