That is the question facing Hawthorn's selectors over the next three weeks as the club prepares for matches against expansion teams Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast, followed by struggling Melbourne.
Having reached the end of their "start from hell" (as described by CEO Stuart Fox) with six wins from seven games, the Hawks are in form and perfectly placed for a tilt at the top four.
They have also been successful in introducing fresh talent, with both Jed Anderson and Taylor Duryea having an immediate impact since their AFL debuts.
Wingman Bradley Hill, too, has established himself in the team after being used in spurts only last season.
But there are still more players craving opportunities who have yet to get them, simply due to the Hawks' strong list, and coach Alastair Clarkson knows they can't sit waiting in the VFL forever.
After the narrow win over North Melbourne in round five, Clarkson flagged his desire to try the likes of Sam Grimley, Luke Lowden, Angus Litherland and Jordan Kelly in the next "six or eight weeks".
"They've been in our system for two, three, four years now, and we're able to go to those guys and use them," Clarkson said at the time.
"And we want to, too.
"We want to give them exposure and see how they cope with footy at the highest level."
Doing so in the next three weeks, when wins are almost certain, seems logical.
It may also afford the more senior bodies a rest ahead of the mid-season break, freshening them for the second half of the year.
But there is also the risk of messing with team balance and individual form.
Skipper Luke Hodge, now hitting peak fitness after a delayed start to the year, showed no desire to take a break when asked this week.
"As a footballer, you want to play every game you can," he said.
Ruckman Simon Taylor took a rest late in the 2008 season and never won his spot back from Brent Renouf, missing out on a premiership.
Coaches, including Clarkson and Geelong's Chris Scott, continually stress the need to have a pool of 28 to 30 fit and capable players for the finals.
It is a balancing act Scott has perfected.
Since the start of his coaching tenure in 2011, he has blooded a huge 17 debutants, setting the Cats up for a prosperous future without ever dropping them out of finals contention, and all the while keeping older players fresh for September.
Season-ending injuries to Matt Suckling and Ryan Schoenmakers have lessened Hawthorn's pool this year.
They have used 27 different players so far, and have hardened bodies Kyle Cheney and Matt Spangher in strong form at VFL level and ready to step in if needed.
Senior regulars Xavier Ellis and Brendan Whitecross are on the way back from injury and will also add to the mix.
But don't be surprised if Clarkson exposes another one or two players to senior football in the coming weeks, as he seeks to set the team up for greater success, both in the short-term and the long.
