Hawthorn look set to name a strengthened side to take on Adelaide tomorrow night, with the return of Luke Hodge (groin), Grant Birchall (knee) and Luke Breust (illness).
Despite losing Josh Gibson to an adductor strain, the Hawks will welcome back their experience defensive duo in Hodge and Birchall to try and combat the at times frightening Adelaide forward line.
Speaking ahead of the game, Hawthorn coach Alistair Clarkson acknowledged the importance of all three players.
"We can't deny that Gibbo is a very important player for us. But having Birch and Hodge back helps us," Clarkson said in a press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
In regards to slowing down Adelaide's dominant midfield, Clarkson hinted that neither of the Crouch brothers or Rory Sloane will be tagged.
"We take a team defence approach. Sloane is a special player for them... We need to be mindful he doesn't have a big influence.
"The Crouch boys love that Rory gets tagged as they get let off the leash. We have to try our best to maintain their whole midfield."
Playing Adelaide in Adelaide is undoubtedly the toughest trip in football at the moment, with Clarkson admitting they're the yardstick of the competition.
"Adelaide are a really good side and they move the ball quickly, with speed and vigor. We're not playing in that manner right now.
"We've got a big challenge. Adelaide are a good measuring stick as we've got a group of youngsters finding their way in AFL footy.
"It's not about finals for us. It's about looking forward to when the next premiership is coming to Hawthorn.
"We need to be putting things in place for the second half of this year... to give us a chance to win silverware in he future.
