Hawthorn midfielder Jaeger O'Meara is likely to line up for the Hawks in their Round 1 clash with North Melbourne at the MCG next Sunday.
O'Meara was among the notable absentees from Sam Mitchell's AAMI Community Series side that lost to Richmond in Devenport last week, with fellow star onballer Tom Mitchell also unnamed for the contest.
The former Sun has been managing hamstring tightness since last month's practice match against Collingwood, with O'Meara sidelined as a precaution ahead of the home and away season.
The 28-year-old is expected to line up for Sam Mitchell's first game at the helm of the Hawks as a new era at Waverley gets underway.
“I played in the Collingwood match and I pulled up a bit sore in my hamstring,” O'Meara told 3AW.
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“It didn’t really feel like normal tightness after a game, so they didn’t want to take any risks with me, given it was a pre-season match.
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“I probably would have played if it was a home and away match but obviously didn’t want to take a risk.
“I’m feeling good now and I feel like I’ll be right for next week.”
Tom Mitchell was originally listed as managed for the clash with Richmond before his senior coach revealed the Brownlow Medal winner was left out due to a groin complaint.
The Hawks are already battling injury concerns for Jarman Impey (ankle), Lachie Bramble (foot) and Will Day (ankle) ahead of their season opener, with the trio seen as unlikely selections for Sam Mitchell.
Promising defender Changkuoth Jiath is understood to be pushing for a Round 1 chance, while youngster Connor Downie will miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury.
The Hawks will clash with North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, March 20 as Mitchell looks to get his AFL coaching career off to the perfect start.
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