Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson will miss at least four more AFL matches as he recovers from Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Hawthorn chief executive Stuart Fox revealed on Monday that Clarkson was released from hospital on Saturday morning and was walking as part of his recovery.
Fox said Clarkson had a "mild" case of the rare autoimmune disease.
Assistant Brendon Bolton will continue to coach the side in Clarkson's absence.
The four-week lay-off was a minimum, contingent on Clarkson getting better.
"We think it may be even longer," Fox said.
"That time-frame really isn't a priority for us.
"What is, is his full recovery."
He said while Clarkson's case was mild, his recovery would still need to be taken very seriously.
"He's continuing to respond really well to treatment," Fox said.
"Last week he was progressing well, he was walking a few laps of the ward, very slowly.
"He's very determined but it hasn't been tough holding him back. I think he's well aware this is a pretty serious condition.
"He's treating it very seriously."
The Hawks have handed the reins to Bolton for the absence, who has been told by Clarkson to pick up the phone if need be.
Bolton will coach for at least the matches against West Coast, Carlton, Collingwood and Gold Coast before a reassessment is made on Clarkson's health.
His maiden match in charge of the Hawks didn't go to script, winning by just seven points over the GWS Giants.
He said Bolton would relish his time in charge of the reigning premiers.
"He's been told he's the leader of our club, and he's ready for it," Fox said.
"I think we'll see a change now ... he'll be his own man.
"We're looking forward to seeing what Brendon brings and I think he was pretty delighted to grab the four points on a pretty challenging game yesterday."
Veteran midfielder Brad Sewell said the side would have no trouble adjusting to the new man in the senior coaching chair.
"Bolts has been working with Clarko for a long time now so it's a pretty seamless transition," he said.
"The systems we've got in place have been developed by the entire playing group and the assistant coaches.
"I can't see there being huge shifts."
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