Hawthorn star Lance Franklin ran over the weekend, raising hopes he will return for the AFL blockbuster against arch-rivals Essendon.
Franklin has missed the last two matches with a knee injury, but captain Luke Hodge said he might be a chance for the Friday night clash at Etihad Stadium.
“‘Franky’ … said he pulled up really good, so he’d be preparing to play – as I suppose he did last week,” Hodge said.
“But I guess he has to tick a few boxes and hopefully get ready for Friday night.”
The Hawks also said on Monday afternoon that Cyril Rioli will definitely play, after the match review panel cleared him of an incident where he tackled Western Bulldogs star Ryan Griffen.
Hodge said that Rioli would need time to regain form after having several weeks out with a hamstring injury.
“He was cleared, so he’s pretty comfortable,” Hodge said of the panel findings.
“We’re just keen for him to put a few games together and then without a doubt, in the next few weeks he’ll come back to his magnificent best.”
Veteran onballer Sam Mitchell will return after missing the weekend’s match through illness.
Hawthorn are top and Essendon hold second spot ahead of Friday night, rekindling memories of their epic and brutal clashes during the 1980s.
“A lot of the rivalry goes with members and supporters and past players – from what they’ve been through (in) the ’80s,” Hodge said.
“But no doubt we always enjoy playing them, they always enjoy playing us.
“When you get a packed crowd, the boys do get up for it.”
Hodge admitted he is disappointed the game will be at Etihad Stadium, not at the larger-capacity MCG, but said it would still be a full house.
“That’s the draw, we can’t do much about it,” he said.
While Franklin will try to prove his fitness for Friday night, the bigger question is whether he will sign a new deal with the Hawks later this year or accept a massive offer from Greater Western Sydney.
Hodge said while Franklin keeps playing well, that’s all the team can want.
“We understood it’s going to take until the end of the year,” Hodge said.
“It’s a pretty big decision to make – it’s a great offer from them and also pros and cons (whichever) way he goes.
“We’re going to be patient with him, as long as he … continues to do what he’s done on the footy field and does the team stuff.”
While Franklin is the gun forward, Hodge kicked a booming 65m goal in Saturday’s win over the Western Bulldogs.
Asked if he had let his team-mates know about the shot, Hodge replied: “no, no … yep, a little bit …”
“It was a bit of luck … lucky the ball bounced the right way.”
