Hawthorn will be forced to make at least one change to its line up ahead of the Round 16 clash against GWS, with defender Grant Birchall ruled out due to irritation in his knee joint. 

Ben Stratton has also been ruled out for the remainder of the season after an injury set back, meaning the Hawks’ match committee will need to look to its VFL stocks to fill the void. 

Read: Bupa recovery report ahead of Round 16

The positive is that young defender Kurt Heatherley now has an opportunity to cement his place in the starting line up. A late inclusion into the side that defeated Collingwood, Heatherley acquitted himself well in just his third AFL game, finishing with 15 disposals (including seven intercept possessions) and five marks.

Teia Miles has also found a strong patch of form in the VFL since recovering from a knee injury sustained earlier this season. The versatile defender has averaged 23 disposals over the last fortnight, and has shown the ability to perform at both ends of the ground.

The carry-over emergency against the Pies, Dallas Willsmore may be called upon if the Hawks’ opt for pace to help combat the Giants’ speedy midfield.