Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has provided an update on several key names currently occupying the club's casualty ward, with the likes of Jack Gunston and Mitch Lewis in the frame for selection this week.
Injured defender Sam Frost, who suffered a knee injury in the Hawk's narrow loss to Fremantle, remains in his recovery, while Mitchell provided more positive news on the return ofย Gunston, who has made good progress recovering from an ankle injury.
"I saw [Frost] today, walking a lot better. We're hopeful he'll get back as soon as he can," Mitchel said.
"[Gunston]'s more likely to be available."
Gunston is tipped to be joined by fellow forward Mitch Lewis to get back into action against the Dogs this weekend. Lewis was ruled for the last few weeks after pulling up with swelling in his knee in Hawk's narrow loss to the Magpies in Round 12.
Mitchell also discussed the extent of Josh Ward's concussion, and how the club aims to ease him back into action, as well as the state of injured ruckman Ben McEvoy.
"[Ward]'s had one concussion before, weโve taken it pretty easy with him. Heโll be fine to play footy again. Weโre looking forward to getting him back," he said.
"[McEvoy]โs jumping around and doing agility all while in a neck brace. His commitment to get back sets a great example for our players."
Despite the Bulldogs' rise in form of late, Mitchell remains unfazed and is adamant the club is focused on developing their own game to make sure they're up to scratch.
"We want to make progress with the way we play, we havenโt been consistent enough. Weโd like to see that consistency of effort more in the second half of the season," he said.
"Weโve got work to do on every aspect of our game."
The Hawks will face the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Friday night at 7:00pm (AEST).
