HAWTHORN star Sam Mitchell could miss Saturday's crunch game against North Melbourne as a number of Hawks come under scrutiny by the Match Review Panel on Monday.



Mitchell is being scrutinised for striking Melbourne forward Jack Watts after making contact to the Demon in the face in the third quarter of Saturday's loss at the MCG.



The verdict could hang on whether Mitchell struck Watts with a clenched fist or the MRP deems he had an open palm.



If Mitchell struck the Demon with a clenched fist it would result in a two-match suspension that could be downgraded to one match with an early guilty plea, ruling Mitchell out of a match the Hawks must win to guarantee they stay on top of the ladder.

Despite being found guilty by the MRP twice last season, Mitchell doesn't have a bad record, as his striking and kneeing offences only drew financial sanctions.

The Hawks will also be sweating on Cyril Rioli's availability after the star forward laid a crunching bump on young Demon Clayton Oliver in the first quarter.

Rioli is a chance to be cleared after a fumble from Oliver left the two-time All Australian with no alternative but to hold his ground and brace for a collision.

If the MRP does charge Rioli with rough conduct and deem there was high contact, the worst-case scenario for the Hawk should see him fined, with a grading of careless conduct and low impact.

Young forward James Sicily will also be assessed for striking Bernie Vince after a crude spoiling attempt that forced the Demons midfielder from the ground with a bloodied nose.

The Hawks remain a game clear on top of the ladder, but their poor percentage means they need to win their remaining three games or risk dropping out of the top four.

They face North Melbourne (MCG), West Coast (Domain Stadium) and Collingwood (MCG) in their remaining three games.