With injury, comes opportunity.

Devastating news for one player can cause optimism for others, keenly waiting in the wings.

With Hawks defender Will Day set to be sidelined for an extended stint following an ankle injury, it’s a chance for someone else to press his claims in the promising youngster’s absence.

Take a look at the best five games between the Hawks and the Cats over the past four decades. 

Connor Downie has already technically made his debut in Round 1, but will this news see him introduced back into the conversation for senior selection?

An outstanding pre-season under his belt, the 18-year-old hasn’t put a foot wrong since joining the Hawks and would deserve the recall if it were to come his way.

Easter Monday against Geelong would certainly be a pretty spectacular way to get your first taste of AFL action.

Or will the height of the occasion prompt the Hawthorn match committee to opt for a younger player who has already experienced AFL action?

Conor Nash could come into consideration, after strong form at reserves level and Damon Greaves proved he is not afraid of the step up to AFL level in his three outings at the backend of last season.  

The final possibility would be one that would undoubtedly warm brown and gold hearts – the potential return of Chad Wingard.

Wingard is in the final stages of his recovery from a calf injury and was listed as a ‘test’ in the club’s injury update this week.

If he could prove his fitness in Friday’s main session, he would be a huge inclusion ahead of the bumper clash with the Cats.

So, who will it be?