Hawthorn's determination to ride momentum into their AFL mid-season break has hit a couple of selection hitches.
The Hawks will start favourites on Friday night against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG, having won their last two games to be third on the ladder. They also boast a five-game winning streak against the Bulldogs.
But veteran forward Jack Gunston continues to be troubled by a sore foot and was left out of Hawthorn's lineup, with their mid-season break to follow this game.
Gunston had returned for last week's win over St Kilda after a two-match break.
He starred against the Saints with five goals, before being rested for the last quarter.
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell had been confident that Conor Nash (neck) would return and was hopeful that Tom Barrass (hamstring) also would be back this week. But neither were brought in for the Bulldogs clash.
