Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell suspects star small forward Jack Ginnivan will be available for Thursday's final against Fremantle after missing Round 24 with back soreness.
The Hawks opted not to push Ginnivan in the final round against West Coast, avoiding the travel to Perth before returning home to enjoy the week off.
Mitchell says the decision was "really beneficial" for him.
"We'll see how he goes at training today, [but we] suspect he'll be available, he said.
"He's been pretty good. A lot of guys have carried sort of different injuries and different things throughout the season, but Ginni [Ginnivan] has done a good job of being able to make sure he's out there every weekend.
"He's a pro; he really goes about it in a very professional way these days. I'm sure he'll be fine today."
Mitchell also noted how his side is "as well prepared as you can be" heading into the first, despite a host of players never featuring in September.
The Hawks coach confirmed mid-season draftee Max Beattie will play on Thursday against the Dockers, while star midfielders Will Day and Cam Mackenzie will get a taste of finals football for the first time.
"[Will Day] is an important cog in our system, Mitchell said.
"We knew we'd get him back mid-year, and he's done exactly what we suspected he'd do.
"He's been a really important performer for us. He's not gonna fix every issue, but he's an important player for us who we know is a vital cog in the way we want to play.
"Cam Mackenzie hasn't played finals either, so he's not the only one.
"There's a lot of players who are going to have their first finals experience, but they're surrounded by guys like Jack Gunston who have played a lot, so we can share our experience around to make sure we can perform close to our highest level."
The Hawks coach specifically praised the way mid-season draftee Beattie has been since being picked up by the club ahead of his first finals match.
"He's been great, hasn't he?" Mitchell said.
"You bring these guys in in the mid-season, and it's really an unknown in that draft.
"Obviously we have had some great success with Jai Newcombe in particular, but I think with Maxy [Max Beattie], he hasn't been flustered and doesn't seem to sort of mind what's happening around him.
"It doesn't matter the stage; he's just handled everything like a pro, so really pleased with how he's gone about it.
"It's very early in his campaign of his career, but he'll play on Thursday, and I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do in game three."
