A VASTLY different Richmond line-up awaits Hawthorn on Sunday compared to the team the Hawks played in round seven, and Alastair Clarkson is wary of the challenge.

The Hawks finished 46-point winners on that Friday night to leave the Tigers with a 1-6 record.

However the Tigers' backline will be seriously boosted this time, with Alex Rance, David Astbury and Dylan Grimes all absent in that clash.

"Richmond's whole defence is different to the round seven game. There's fair difference in personnel," Clarkson said at training on Saturday.

"At that point in time, Richmond was in a little bit of a trough. Over the last nine weeks, they've won six and lost three.

"Everyone thinks Richmond's not going so well, but their last eight or nine weeks have been pretty good in terms of win-loss."

The Hawks have made one change to their team, with Tim O'Brien coming in for the omitted Angus Litherland.

Brett Deledio misses for Richmond after hurting his calf in the win against Essendon last week, while Connor Menadue was dropped. Nathan Drummond will play his first game since requiring a knee reconstruction following his debut in round four last year and Reece Conca is back in the team.

Champion Hawthorn midfielder Sam Mitchell, who's impressive career includes four flags and three All Australian selections, will bring up his 300th game against the Tigers.

Clarkson paid tribute to the 2008 premiership captain's toughness and persistence.

"That's come from a bit of adversity around the back end of his under-18 years. He's had to do it the hard way, and learnt very, very early not to take anything for granted," Clarkson said.

"He's still one of our best trainers and always trying to improve.

"You'd think at some point in time, he might become complacent with the way that he approaches the game. He's always out here trying to make himself better and try to make his teammates and his club better.

"Outside of his toughness, that's probably his other most endearing feature."

Mitchell has signed on for 2017 after averaging 30 disposals per game – ranked sixth in the competition.