James Sicily

As Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson has sought ways to improve the team’s offensive capabilities in recent weeks, James Sicily has been uprooted from the backline and placed in the forward line. In trying circumstances, Sicily has tried hard, but the reality is his best work this year has come at the defensive end. Hawks fans will be keeping a keen eye on which way Sis heads out of the final pre-game huddle.

James Frawley

West Coast sharpshooter Josh Kennedy has booted at least one goal in each of his last 68 outings. The last time he was kept goalless? The 2015 grand final. Who stopped him? James Frawley. This match-up will be a defining one for Saturday afternoon’s clash with the 31-year-old Eagle continuing to be his side’s number one goal kicking source. The Hawks will need Chip back to his best.

Tom Scully

By his own admission, Scully’s performance against Sydney last week was not one of his best. The 28-year-old’s eight possessions were his lowest disposal tally since arriving at the Hawks. But the wingman has the perfect assignment ahead of him to help him quickly rediscover form. Scully will likely match-up alongside fellow running machine Andrew Gaff. The two will cover more ground than anyone else on the field, but their ability to impact the game with ball in hand will be a telling factor in the game.

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Nic Naitanui

Nic Naitanui will play his first game this weekend since rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament for the second time in round 17 last season. Naitanui delivered an impressive performance in the WAFL last week, looking as powerful and athletic as ever. But Eagles Coach Adam Simpson has asserted that fans should be patient with what they expect from the All Australian ruckman, who will be on limited game time against the Hawks.

Dom Sheed

The hero of last year’s grand final victory, Dom Sheed has ensured his career will not be remembered as a one-hit wonder in 2019. The 24-year-old has come of age in the Eagles midfield, averaging a clear career-high 28.1 possessions as well as a goal per game. No player averaging as many disposals as him are also going at a rate of one major per outing.