Key Hawks could return to face Dees in AFL

Hawthorn premiership duo Cyril Rioli and Grant Birchall are in the mix to return for Sunday's AFL clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

Still reeling from another disastrous AFL loss, Hawthorn could regain Cyril Rioli and Grant Birchall for Sunday's clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

Rioli has been sidelined for the past week with a hip complaint but has returned to training and is expected to be ready to face the Demons.

Four-time premiership defender Birchall is also in the mix after recovering from surgery on a fractured jaw.

"He's certainly available, and he will be a good chance to be selected I would think," Hawks fitness boss Andrew Russell said on Tuesday.

Coach Alastair Clarkson warned "catastrophic" changes may be necessary after the Hawks copped a 75-point flogging from St Kilda in Launceston - their fifth loss from six games.

The Hawks were also on the receiving end of 86-point maulings from Gold Coast and Geelong earlier in the season and have looked a shadow of their imperious best.

Few images have summed up the Hawks' struggles this season like ruckman Ben McEvoy wiping away tears as he walked off the ground after the Easter Monday loss to the Cats - his 150th career game.

McEvoy on Tuesday admitted a lack of hunger had been an issue for the Hawks this season but bristled at suggestions they weren't affected by the results.

"We haven't been able to deliver yet unfortunately but we care - I certainly care - so when you dish up performances like some of the ones we have this year, it hurts," he said.

"There's no doubt it's a tough caper. It is really hard to back up week after week, let alone year after year, so there's certainly times that it gets trying.

"The reality is, there'll be a lot of different reasons because it's up to every individual to get themselves up and in that on-edge state that we know you have to be in to win games."

McEvoy (two goals) and off-season recruit Tom Mitchell (35 disposals) were among the Hawks' best against St Kilda but the contributors were few and far between.

Premiership players Jack Gunston, Luke Breust, Josh Gibson and Isaac Smith all made little impact and face a nervous wait ahead of teams being named for Sunday's clash.


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Source: AAP


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