HAWTHORN ruckman Lloyd Meek is in doubt for Saturday’s clash against Adelaide after injuring his ankle in the win over Brisbane, but Nick Watson will be available.  

Meek has suffered a low-grade syndesmosis injury and will need to prove his fitness on Thursday, but is unlikely to recover in time.

The 26-year-old came off the ground at Marvel Stadium but then returned, before undergoing a scan on Monday morning that revealed an injury that was less serious than initially feared.

Conor Nash (left) and Lloyd Meek celebrate a win during round 11, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

Meek started the season at Box Hill but reclaimed the spot off Ned Reeves after two weeks and has been a key reason behind the Hawks’ recovering from 0-5 to be 4-7 after a strong six-week patch.

Reeves has experienced an interrupted patch in the VFL, missing due to concussion and then a broken hand, but the ruckman played against Brisbane at Box Hill last weekend.

Watson missed the 25-point win over the Lions due to a tight hamstring but has been cleared to return for Jack Gunston’s 250th game this weekend.

Draftee Will McCabe is closing in on a return to full fitness after missing the past few months due to bone stress in his back.

The father-son recruit is set to be available in two to four weeks.