With the Hawks’ season to kick-off on Saturday evening against Brisbane in Tasmania, hawthornfc.com.au looks at the five key players who could impact the result.

1. Jarryd Roughead (Hawthorn)
He won the Coleman Medal last year and Roughead’s pre-season form suggests he will be just as hard to stop this year as he was last. He was almost unstoppable against Melbourne in the final practice match before Round 1, kicking six goals to lead the Hawks to a big win and kicked two goals against the Lions and two against the Roos in the NAB Challenge.

Without Lance Franklin, Roughead will lead the Hawthorn forward line with Jack Gunston and cameos from ruckman David Hale and debutant Tim O’Brien but he will now get the opposition’s premier stopper. On Saturday, that will be Daniel Merrett who has a big frame, is athletic and strong in one-on-one contests.

Interestingly, he has kicked the equal least amount of goals against Brisbane than any other side (17) but was one of Hawthorn’s best in last year’s 58-point win, with four goals.

He likes playing in Tasmania, having kicked 40 goals in 28 matches at Aurora Stadium and another big haul will see the Hawks in good shape against the Lions on Saturday.

2. Matthew Leuenberger (Brisbane)
Clearly Brisbane’s best ruckman, Leuenberger’s ruck work when in form gives the Brisbane midfielders first use of the ball because he is one of the best at palming to a teammate’s advantage in the competition. In last year’s clash against the Hawks, the Lions dominated the clearances on the back of Leuenberger’s 34 hit outs.

The importance of a good big man with the ability to dominate the ruck has never been more important in AFL football and Leuenberger’s ability to give his teammates first use will be critical to Brisbane’s success on Saturday.

His role in pushing forward and using his athleticism will also be important on Saturday when he works with fellow ruckman Trent West to provide another target inside 50 to help Jonathan Brown. One or two goals out of the big ruckman will be ideal for Coach, Justin Leppitsch.

He has a good record against the Hawks, averaging 23.8 hit outs and 10.6 disposals but has only kicked one goal in five games against them.

3. Josh Gibson (Hawthorn)
For the first time in over a year the depth of Hawthorn’s defence is being tested, with Ben Stratton, Brian Lake and Ryan Schoenmakers all missing. That means the importance of last year’s best and fairest winner is amplified, with Gibson charged with the responsibility of leading the defence along with skipper Luke Hodge and Grant Birchall.

Gibson will channel his role of 2011 where he was Hawthorn’s number one defender and likely take the match-up with Jonathan Brown, although that responsibility could also fall with Kyle Cheney.

The Hawks will be undersized against Brisbane’s tall forward line, with Brown, ruckmen West and Leuenberger and key position debutant Michael Close all set to spend time inside 50, so Gibson’s ability to play above his size will be crucial.

4. Isaac Smith (Hawthorn)
His end to season 2013 was breathtaking and Smith is poised to enjoy another breakout season in 2014 if he re-capture the brilliant form of last year that saw him become one of Hawthorn’s most damaging players.

He adds that crucial line-breaking and speed to the Hawthorn midfield and along with fellow wingman Bradley Hill, is the players that can break the game apart.

Brisbane have a renewed premium on defensive pressure under new coach Leppitsch and they will be keen to lock down the Hawks’ time and space if they’re to win. That’s where Smith comes in. Conditions can be tough in Launceston, so players who can split the game open with speed and endurance are valuable.

If he gets off the leash, expect him to be among Hawthorn’s best in a winning season opener.

Smith averages 17 disposals and six tackles in three games against the Lions. He has also kicked two goals in those three meetings.

5. Daniel Rich (Brisbane)
Since bursting onto the scene in 2009, Rich has had an up and down few seasons but seemed to recapture his exciting form last season and will be keen to continue that form into 2014.

His long kicking and ability to win plenty of the ball will drive Brisbane’s midfield against the Hawks but it is his kicking that makes him perhaps his side’s most important player on Saturday.

The Hawks’ pressure is among the best in the competition and they love to turn turnovers in their forward half into scores, so Rich’s long and accurate kicking could be the trump card in Brisbane’s ability to move past the Hawthorn pressure.

He can also explode from the middle and kick a long goal in the blink of an eye, so the Hawks will need to watch him around the stoppages, particularly if Leuenberger is on top in the ruck.

Rich averages 16.8 disposals and 3.8 clearances against the Hawks and has also kicked three goals in four matches against them.