Hawthorn could opt to add more speed to its midfield with Jono O'Rourke and Jed Anderson pressing for a senior recall ahead of its blockbuster clash against West Coast on Saturday night at Domain Stadium.
O'Rourke, traded to the Hawks over the pre-season from Greater Western Sydney, racked up 23 touches, playing a variety of roles including across half back in Box Hill's 39-point win over Richmond in the VFL on Saturday.
He's played two AFL matches for the Hawks this season; one in round two and one in round 17's shellacking of Carlton.
"Being at Hawthorn, you need to be able to play multiple roles and he's shown that now," Hawks development coach Marco Bello.
On a faster track, the Hawks could also promote Anderson for his first match of the season after he too, impressed with 23 touches for Box Hill after some previous dominant VFL performances.
Inside midfielder Jonathan Simpkin collected 35 touches and was best on ground.
Bello hoped that the Hawks premiership player could break through once more in the lead up to the finals.
"He's (Simpkin) a dominant VFL player without a doubt," Bello said.
"He's probably a class above it this year and again just opportunity, once he gets that, hopefully he'll take it but unfortunately he has to bide his time until that opportunity comes."
Brendan Whitecross continued to gain match fitness after returning for his second consecutive week since a shoulder injury. Bello said it was important that the club continued to get some "continuity" out of him.
Jonathan Ceglar, fresh from being rested last week, got "first hands on the footy in ruck contests" and also pushed for a recall, along with Tim O'Brien, who kicked three goals.
Bello said there are "plenty of options" for the Hawks to choose from – including Matt Suckling who is likely to be available after being sidelined with hamstring soreness.
Meanwhile, Richmond midfielders Matt Thomas (35 touches), Matt Dea (28) and Matt McDonough pressed for a senior recall with impressive performances.
Forward Liam McBean kicked five goals and looms as an important back-up forward given the loss of Ben Griffiths because of season-ending surgery.
