Hawthorn could have spearhead Mitch Lewis back for his first game since early April for this weekend's enticing clash with Geelong, while a decision is yet to be made on the selection of captain James Sicily.
Sicily was unable to finish last Sunday's win over West Coast due to a shoulder injury. Given the buffer between the two sides after three-quarter time, the club decided against bringing him back into the contest for the last quarter.
After suffering a similar injury earlier in the year, the Hawks defender will rely on getting through Thursday's main session to be cleared to face the Cats.
Sicily missed two matches after dislocating his shoulder against the Western Bulldogs in Round 8, with coach Sam Mitchell confident his skipper won't be sidelined for any longer than this weekend should he fail to get the green light.
"We're not sure just yet, we'll see how he goes at training and how comfortable he is," Mitchell told media on Thursday.
"We're a little bit lucky it won't be too long (should he miss), he certainly won't need the surgery. He'll be a chance.
"He missed two matches (last time), if he does miss it will probably just be the one."
Lewis is in line to return after featuring in a pair of VFL matches for Box Hill following his recovery from a knee injury.
Lewis hasn't played since the Hawks' last game against Geelong in Round 3 due to the ailment, with last weekend's two-goal effort in limited minutes potentially enough to see the tall forward back in the senior side.
The Hawks will also give Lewis a window on Thursday to prove his fitness, with Mitchell noting it'll be hard to turn down a comeback for Lewis this week.
"He's much closer to being ready," the Hawks coach said.
"I was really pleased with his output (in the VFL), it was a tough day out for a key forward at Box Hill in the rain. I thought he competed well and gave himself every chance.
"It's (selection squeeze) the right problem to have. When you look at the best sides, there's a level of continuity about them and there's generally good players playing in their reserves sides that deserve to play. We have that at the moment.
"We have some guys in our VFL playing really good footy and we're trying to find a way to get them in, but you can't make changes for changes sake. We talk to the boys about making sure they're knocking at the door.
"When you have a player of Mitch Lewis' calibre, you're certainly finding a way to get him in."
The Hawks will welcome back veteran forward Luke Breust after he was rested for last week's trip to Perth to face West Coast.
His return could come as the sub after the premiership Hawk held down the role on several occasions prior to the club's bye, while last week's sub, Harry Morrison, might've done enough in his small stint against the Eagles to hold onto the role or attain a starting spot under Mitchell.
Young forward Calsher Dear looms as the likely out for the Hawks should Lewis be named to play, with the rookie Hawk having his quietest day of the year against the Eagles before being replaced by Morrison.
AFL.com.au'sย Josh Gabelich has reported that small forward Jack Ginnivan is in some doubt to play after suffering a suspected leg injury at training, while Dear's week has been limited due to soreness.
Ginnivan's potential absence would open a spot in Mitchell's forward line for Breust.
Jack Ginnivan in doubt for Saturday. Left the track early with a lower leg issue after doing a fitness test. Calsher Dear hasnโt trained this week due to soreness. Luke Breust confirmed to return vs Geelong @AFLcomau
— Josh Gabelich (@JoshGabelich) July 4, 2024
Young defender Jai Serong firms as the frontrunner to fill James Sicily's role should the Hawks skipper fail to pass fitness tests.
The Hawks will name their squad for Saturday's Cats matchup at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday.
