JAMES Sicily and James Frawley appear set to bolster Hawthorn's defence for next Thursday night's qualifying final against Richmond.

Sicily has been out since round 17 because of the broken wrist he suffered in the loss to Brisbane.

The key defender needed surgery and his return will be a major boost for the Hawks.

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"We thought all along that he'd be ready to play in the first final and that's how it's looking," Hawks fitness boss Andrew Russell told the club website.

Frawley missed their round 23 win over Sydney with a jarred back and likewise, Russell is upbeat that the full-back will be ready for Thursday week's clash with the Tigers.

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But the comeback of fellow defender Grant Birchall remains a work in progress.

The four-time premiership player has not been in the senior side since round 15 last season because of injury.

"We're preparing Birch to play senior footy - we don't feel he's quite ready yet," Russell said.