Hawthorn is 9-3 and only outside the top four by percentage, yet the external consensus is it has several more gears it can play at.

The reigning premier has introduced several youngsters into the side with four debutants and regular opportunities for second and third year players.

Arguably the most impressive of the lot has been James Sicily. So far this season, the 186 centimetre 21-year-old has played forward – kicking the match winning goal against the Bulldogs in Round 3 – and back last week - collecting 25 disposals in the side’s big win against Essendon.

Tim O’Brien, closer to key position height at 193 centimetres, has played the last nine games as a forward as the Hawks look for more marking power closer to home.

Much like Sicily, O’Brien can take a strong mark, meaning he’s a player that can’t be ignored.

The top end of Hawthorn’s side has rarely changed allowing opportunities for youngsters around them.

19 Hawks have played at least 10 of the 12 games this season, even allowing for the lengthy absence of Luke Hodge and Jarryd Roughead.

Sam Mitchell (29 disposals per game), Jordan Lewis (26 disposals per game) and Isaac Smith (23 disposals per game) have led the way in winning the ball.

In the forward-line, there’s been an even spread of goals with no real standout. Jack Gunston (32), Luke Breust (29), Paul Puopolo (24) and Cyril Rioli (24) are leading the Hawks.

The backline has been anchored by James Frawley, Josh Gibson and Ben Stratton with the trio only missed two games between them for the year.

A lot has been made of Hawthorn’s inability to win the contested ball. It is ranked 17th for contested possession differential, even losing out on the count last week when it defeated Essendon by 108 points.

However the key to the stat is that opposition sides have not been able to score heavily against the Hawks, despite winning the contested possessions and clearances.

The Hawks have scored exactly the same from their clearances as the opposition has, effectively neutralising what, on the stat sheet at least, should be a significant disadvantage.

Hawthorn’s been able to do this by forcing turnovers. Only three sides have intercepted the ball more than the Hawks, and only one side in Adelaide is more efficient at scoring after gaining possession.

It means North will have to take lessons from its pre-season encounter against the Hawks, when it conceded a whopping 88 points from turnovers.