Hawks regain Mitchell for AFL blockbuster

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge has pushed for a surprise AFL return against North Melbourne, but is still another week or two from returning from injury.

Hawthorn will regain star utility Sam Mitchell for Friday night's AFL match against top side North Melbourne.

Coach Alastair Clarkson said Luke Hodge also pushed for a surprise recall, but he is another week or two away.

Hodge trained before his teammates on Thursday morning as he comes back from a knee injury.