Hawks emerging half-back Josh Weddle could well be in play to make a return for September, according to senior coach Sam Mitchell, as his recovery from the bone stress in his back continues.
Mitchell revealed that, if scans go accordingly, a potential timeline to return to AFL football could occur for the 21-year-old by September, with a stint in the VFL expected.
"Josh Weddle is optimistic, I would say," Mitchell told media on Thursday.
"In another ten days, he'll have his second scan, and that will give us a tick or a cross.
"If it's not getting better, we'll rule him out. If it is looking pretty good, then he's a chance to play some game time in what would be the Box Hill first final [in the VFL] in the week off before the AFL Finals, if we've qualified by that stage obviously.
"That's the timeline for him at the moment."
Weddle was seen at training this week completing some marking and kicking exercises before increasing his speed while running.
The young gun has featured in 15 games this season and had been on track for a career-best year before sustaining the injury, averaging 16.5 disposals, 3.0 rebound 50s and 4.9 marks per game, 1.9 being intercepts.
Lloyd Meek looked strong in his involvement at training during the week too as he looks to become a focal point in attack again, having kicked a career-high three goals in the Hawks' 64-point win over Collingwood.
Mitchell spoke of the pending matchup between him and Melbourne's superstar ruck Max Gawn, which will take centre stage at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.
"I think Gawn has been a pillar of strength for that football club for over a decade now. Not too dissimilar to Luke Breust, where he started out as not a high draft pick," Mitchell said.
"What he's built is going to create a legacy for that club for an enormous amount of time.
"We've had trouble with him in the past, but Meek is in great form at the moment, he's had a really good month. We're looking forward to the ruck battle, it will be an important part of the game."
Hawthorn will now turn their attention to Saturday, with a Finals-like clash brewing between them and the Demons, with first bounce at 4:15pm (AEST).
