Hawthorn remain unsure when first-choice fullback Stephen Gilham will return to the senior side as he continues his comeback from a knee reconstruction.
Fellow key defender Josh Gibson should be back from an ankle injury for Friday night’s match against Melbourne.
But Gilham will continues to regain match fitness and confidence in the VFL after his lengthy enforced absence.
Teammate Sam Mitchell admits the Hawks are torn between bringing Gilham back as quickly as possible and making sure he does not suffer another injury.
Gilham has been back playing for several weeks, but needed a short spell when he felt some soreness in his knee.
“When he gets his confidence in his body and gets a few games in a row obviously he will be getting ready to return to the senior side,” Mitchell said on Monday.
“But at the moment it’s more about just getting his body right and getting his confidence back.”
Key Hawthorn trio Lance Franklin, Luke Hodge and Ben Stratton were all sore after Saturday night’s win over St Kilda.
Mitchell said it was still too early in the week to confirm that all three will play against the Demons on Friday night at the MCG, but was particularly confident that Stratton will be available after his heavy head clash against the Saints.
