Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin believes his injury setback has given him the ideal freshen-up ahead of an AFL clash shaping as a mini-final.

And Collingwood defender Harry O’Brien is set for a return against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday after personal problems and a spat with coach Nathan Buckley sidelined him for the past three weeks.

The ladder leading Hawks take on second-placed Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, with Franklin set to return from a knee injury.

Franklin has missed the past two weeks, but has trained strongly this week – including on Thursday at Waverley Park.

But he says the time out may be a blessing as the business end of the season looms.

“It was disappointing, I always like to be out there and playing football with the team but to miss two games at this time of the year is not such a bad thing,” Franklin told hawthornfc.com.au.

“It has given me the chance to freshen up for a big last bit of the year.

“I’m back this week which is good and fingers crossed I can have a good run into finals and go from there.”

Onballer Sam Mitchell also returns for the Hawks after missing last weekend’s win over the Western Bulldogs with a stomach virus.

Kyle Cheney and Will Langford make way.

Essendon have made five changes, losing veteran defender Dustin Fletcher to a back injury and Stewart Crameri with an ankle problem.

But lively David Zaharakis returns from injury, as does exciting youngster Joe Daniher for the top of the table clash.