Michael Whiting of AFL Media provides an insight into his predictions of which Lion's players will be 'in the mix' ahead of Round 9 against Hawthorn:

After a couple of weeks playing reserves, Sam Mayes has excelled and is close to a recall. 

Claye Beams and Ryan Lester are also doing all they can.

In his second Senior game, Matt Eagles made some blunders but has probably done enough to keep his spot against a taller Hawks forward line.

Along with Richmond, Brisbane has the healthiest list in the competition – nothing to see here.

After a strong start to the year, Allen Christensen was not in best form against the Bulldogs. It'd be a big call to drop Christensen from the Seniors this week – he's in the leadership group – but Coach Chris Fagan demands high performance from his senior players. Mayes or Beams could look a good replacement.

Claye Beams during the Round 6 NEAFL match against the Suns last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Ashley Browne of AFL Media takes a look at who could be returning from injury for the Hawks: 

Small forward Paul Puopolo should make a welcome return to the side for the trip to the Gabba after missing four weeks with a hamstring tear.

His forward pressure and ability to jag a goal has been missed.

Midfielder James Cousins took his unlucky demotion to the VFL well and played well on Melbourne co-captain Jack Viney on Sunday.

Key forward Mitchell Lewis continues to play well at Box Hill.

Tim O'Orien and James Frawley were poor against the Swans. Is it time for Ryan Schoenmakers and Kaiden Brand to be recalled?

The Hawks came out of the Swans game with no injuries.

Schoenmakers for O'Brien and Puopolo for Will Langford.