Hawthorn key forward Jarryd Roughead might return to the AFL next week as he makes a strong return from his serious leg injury.
Roughead missed the second half of last season because of a ruptured achilles tendon.
His absence was a major blow for the Hawks, who narrowly lost their preliminary final against Collingwood.
Coach Alastair Clarkson said depending on where Hawthorn play next week in the last round of the NAB Cup, they might bring Roughead back for a run in the senior side.
But Clarkson added he remains unsure if Roughead will be ready for round one of the regular season.
“He’s progressing really well and we’d be hopeful he would play again pretty soon,” Clarkson said.
The Hawks will bring back several big names for Saturday night’s NAB Cup match against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli and Sam Mitchell are among those who will play against the Demons.