HAWTHORN veteran Jordan Lewis has declared himself fit and raring to play against Geelong at the MCG on Easter Monday.
The 29-year-old took part in an intra-club hitout at Waverley on Monday alongside premiership teammate Grant Birchall after both missed the Hawks' final NAB Challenge clash against North Melbourne.
Lewis told the club's website he was pleased round one had arrived.
"I had a tight calf for about a week there so my first hit-out back was three quarters and then a running session afterwards so it's nice to be alive again," Lewis said.
"I pulled up really good and looking forward to Monday."
Birchall said he was "good to go" against the Cats after getting through the intra-club match unscathed.
"I played a full game, the ankle’s feeling pretty good and I’m looking forward to Monday," he said.
"It was good to get a few cobwebs out for me personally, and it was good for the team to get a bit of confidence and move the ball well.
"We were able to work on our structures and get them in place, which I thought we did pretty well."
Billy Hartung (knee), Taylor Duryea (hip) and Luke Breust (jaw) also eased injury concerns by featuring in the Hawks' match simulation a week out from their Easter Monday blockbuster.
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Young forward James Sicily, utility Daniel Howe and onballer Jono O'Rourke played alongside Lewis and Birchall in what appeared to be a 'probables' side featuring most of the Hawks' stars.
The Hawks have at least five spots to fill from last year's Grand Final team following the retirements of David Hale and Brian Lake, Matt Suckling's free agency move to the Western Bulldogs, plus injuries to spearhead Jarryd Roughead (knee) and Liam Shiels (wrist).
Angus Litherland is a leading candidate to fill a defensive post, while ruckman Jon Ceglar will step straight into Hale's role.
Tough onballer Will Langford is also pushing to be a like-for-like replacement for Shiels after overcoming a knee injury caused by a freak boating accident.
Lewis said Hawks were in good shape as they embark on their tilt at a fourth consecutive premiership.
"We're in a good position to attack the season proper and our confidence is there as well," Lewis said.
