Hawthorn are confident prized recruit Jaeger O'Meara will make his AFL return in coming weeks after a strong rehabilitation period.
O'Meara has managed just four games in his first season with the Hawks, with his last appearance coming in round six.
The 23-year-old has struggled with persistent knee issues but appears set to play again this season, despite Hawthorn being effectively out of the finals race.
"We're really pleased with the way Jaeger is going," fitness boss Andrew Russell said on Tuesday.
"He's back into the skills program. He's kicking, he's sprinting, he's doing all the change of direction work that we need him to do.
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"He's a powerful athlete, and he needs to be powerful and strong for him to play.
"He'll have another couple of weeks of skills training and then we'll look to get him back playing again."
Goalsneak Paul Puopolo could return next week but Cyril Rioli (knee), James Frawley (turf toe) and Grant Birchall (knee) remain no certainty to return this season.
A decision on Josh Gibson's return from a groin issue will be made in coming weeks, with the 33-year-old potentially set to play his final AFL game.
Essendon expect defender Martin Gleeson to line up against the Western Bulldogs after being cleared of serious damage to his elbow.
North Melbourne hope to welcome back skipper Jack Ziebell and key defender Robbie Tarrant after the pair missed a week with minor niggles.
Carlton could regain impressive youngster Caleb Marchbank (shoulder) for Saturday's clash with Geelong but Ed Curnow (throat) and Alex Silvagni (knee) face another month on the sidelines.
