Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell is still weighing up the last few pieces at selection ahead of his side's September return on Friday night against the Western Bulldogs.
While a majority of his side to feature at the MCG elimination final is set, the Hawks coach is still mulling over "a couple of question marks" ahead of the club's final selection committee meeting on Wednesday afternoon.
Three of the 23 spots up for grabs are yet to be finalised, with a number of options that could suit the Hawks' style or aid with a preferred matchup against the Dogs coming into consideration.
"We'll have our full match committee this afternoon and finalise the team today," Mitchell told media of his selection planning.
"We've probably still got a couple of question marks, I'd say maybe 20 players are locked in and I think there's three we're still considering. A little bit of it might play into the weather, some matchups and training.
"There are still a couple of decisions to make but most part of it is done."
Among those in the mix for one of those three spots is dashing flanker Changkuoth Jiath, who has not played at AFL level since Round 21 due to a calf injury.
The Hawks backman returned to the field over the weekend for Box Hill in a VFL elimination final and got through unscathed to put his hand up for a potential return game against the Bulldogs.
Mitchell said he was pleased with Jiath's return but could not confirm if the 25-year-old would be in his side for Friday's final.
"It was really important that he played. He wouldn't have played for over a month now if he hadn't played in that game," the Hawks coach said.
"It was important that he got the run and got through the game physically, he's available for selection.
"He's one of the guys we're making a decision about with what's the best way to win this game.
"Years gone by when you get to the end of the year you ask what's the best development mode for us, who needs this game and who can afford to not play.
"Now you're picking a team who can beat [the opponent], who can play our system the best, who can help us beat the Bulldogs the best.
"CJ has given himself a chance, which is fantastic, because he's going to be an important player for us."
Young defender Jai Serong and midfielder Josh Ward were among Box Hill's best in the loss to Williamstown on Saturday to boost their chances of a recall into Mitchell's side, while wingman Harry Morrison could make way for Jiath if the latter is preferred.
Onballer Finn Maginness was another standout in the VFL but did feature in Hawthorn's last game, with the extended absence of reigning best and fairest winner Will Day likely to mean the father-son Hawk holds his spot in the senior side.
Quizzed on the status of Day, who has been ruled out of this week's action with a collarbine injury, Mitchell said the club is yet to know if the star midfielder would be available for a semi-final if his side can progress past the Western Bulldogs, but the club is not ruling anything out.
"We're unsure but we'll try and make a decision reasonably quickly," Mitchell said of his young ball-winner.
"I didn't think we needed the cloak and dagger stuff, which we've avoided for this game, just for him really just so he's not getting asked about it all the time.
"He's certainly hasn't been ruled out of anything after this week."
The Hawks and Bulldogs will meet at the MCG on Friday night at 7:40pm (AEST), with the winner to face the loser of Thursday's qualifying final between Port Adelaide and Geelong.
