Where and when:
Friday August 9, 7.50pm
Etihad Stadium

In: Jason Blake, James Gwilt, Jack Newnes, Brodie Murdoch, Darren Minchington
Out: Tom Simpkin (Leg), Rhys Stanley (Shoulder), Arryn Siposs (Shoulder), Ahmed Saad (Leg), Sam Dunell (Omitted)

New: Darren Minchington

Overview:
For the second time in three rounds St Kilda will take on a genuine premiership contender this week. Last Saturday's 31-point loss to Brisbane provided positive signs, however there is no denying that this clash will be a stern test for a team riddled with injuries.

From St Kilda's round 19 team, Arryn Siposs, Rhys Stanley and Tom Simpkin have all been ruled out for the year, while defenders Sam Fisher and Sam Gilbert remain unavailable for selection.

Hawthorn's tall timber in Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston and David Hale have all been in excellent form in recent times, but the Hawks will be without their primary target and skipper against the Saints - with Lance Franklin and Luke Hodge set to miss.

It's this time of the year where premiership fancies are looking to hit their straps. Alistair Clarkson's men have lost two out of their last three and will be committed to dominating St Kilda like they did Essendon two Friday night's ago, and in the process consolidating their position in the top two.

St Kilda continues to inject youth into the senior line-up, with this week's team no exception. Jack Newnes, Brodie Murdoch and Darren Minchington have been named in the team that will give Saints fans with an even clearer glimpse into the future.

Stat focus:

• Hawthorn averages more points per game than any other team in the AFL this season
• Sam Mitchell is the Hawks' most prolific ball-winner this year, averaging 29 disposals per game, ranked seventh in the league.
• Leigh Montagna isn't far behind Hawthorn's stand-in skipper, ranked ninth in the AFL for average disposals per game - going at 27.9 per match.
• David Armitage is ranked 12th in the competition for total tackles, higher than any Hawthorn player.
• Dylan Roberton registered five rebound 50s against Brisbane, bringing his season tally to 67, ranked ninth in the AFL in this category.
• St Kilda needs to be wary of Hawthorn's Luke Breust, the clever goal-sneak is leading the AFL for goal assists.
• Jack Steven is ranked fourth in the league for running bounces, behind Heath Shaw, Brent Harvey and Nick Malceski.
• Paul Puopolo has applied 114 pressure acts inside forward 50 this season, ranking him third in the AFL.

Injury list:
St Kilda:
Sam Fisher (Toe) - Season
Sam Gilbert (Knee) - 2 weeks
Daniel Markworth (Knee) - Season
Beau Maister (Hamstring) - 2 weeks
Jackson Ferguson (Knee) - Season
Justin Koschitzke (Calf) - 3 weeks
Terry Milera (Ankle) - Season
James Gwilt (Knee) - TBA
Spencer White (Wrist) - Season
Rhys Stanley (Collarbone) - Season
Arryn Siposs (Shoulder) - Season
Tom Simpkin (Leg) - Season

Hawthorn:
Max Bailey (Corked hip) - Test
Grant Birchall (Knee) - 1 week
Xavier Ellis (Calf) - 1 week
Luke Hodge (Thumb) - 1-2 weeks
Ryan Schoenmakers (Knee) - Season
Liam Shiels (Ankle) - Test
Matt Suckling (Knee) - Season
Alex Woodward (Knee) - Season

Last week:
St Kilda 11.11 (77) defeated by Brisbane 16.12 (108)
Hawthorn 9.12 (66) defeated by Richmond 16.11 (107)

What they say: (Hawthorn ruckman David Hale)

We've got to bounce back. A lot of players were down on the weekend and I'm sure everyone's got a lot of pride in the way they play, so hopefully everyone can bounce back pretty sharply. The comp is so even this year, that you just have to be off your game by five per cent. You can't be complacent. You can't go into a game and just think it's going to happen. You have to turn up every week. If we come with the right mindset every week, I think we can match it with anyone.

What we say (Scott Watters):

The reason why they are a premiership side is not just because they rely on a Franklin or a Roughead - it's Rioli, it's Breust. Breust is quite underrated. They've got a lot of depth and maturity through a lot of areas. It's a really tough challenge but our players are excited. Friday night. We get an opportunity to test ourselves against one of the benchmarks. We need to go out there and play our game. There is still 22 players against 22 players and we look forward to that.

Running hot:
St Kilda: Leigh Montagna
Montagna has been electric form this season. He averages 32.3 disposals over the last three weeks, showing great dash through the midfield and terrific hardness at the contest. Montagna looms as one of St Kilda's most pivotal players on Friday night, responsible for quelling Hawthorn's star-studded midfield and collecting his usual amount of possessions.

Hawthorn: Isaac Smith 
The classy ball-winner has been in damaging form in recent weeks. Often overshadowed by the likes of Hodge, Franklin and Mitchell, Smith collected a career-best 29 disposals and laid four last week against the Tigers.

Watch out for:
St Kilda: Darren Minchington
St Kilda's eighth debutant for the season is an exciting prospect. He's a creative forward who can cause considerable damage from limited opportunities. Minchington is a terrific mover with clean hands and an eye for goal.

Hawthorn: Jack Gunston
Often opposition defenders put so much time into limiting Roughead and Franklin's influence, that they disregard Jack Gunston. The athletic forward had a quiet day in the wet against the Tigers last Saturday, but has booted three or more goals on six occasions this year.

Last time they met:
Round 6, 2012 at the MCG
St Kilda 13.10 (88) defeated by Hawthorn 18.15 (123)
Disposals: Goddard (26), Mitchell (29)
Goals: Koschitzke (5), Rioli (6)

You can follow Tom Morris on Twitter: @tommorris32