HAWTHORN'S bid to cement the double chance has been dealt a blow with in-form defender Ben Stratton set to miss the rest of the home and away season with a torn pectoral muscle.

Stratton suffered the small tear during the second quarter against Melbourne last Saturday and immediately left the ground.

The 27-year-old has been in superb touch all season and is a vital part of the Hawks backline because of his ability to play tall and small. 

"(It's) not a bad result," Stratton told the Hawthorn website. "It could have been off the bone. I've done that movement 1000 times before." 

The club has listed it as a 3-4 week injury, which means Stratton could be back in time for the opening week of the finals, given the bye week that follows round 23.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, vice-captain Jordan Lewis lamented the "huge" loss of the underrated defender.
 
"He's been a super player for a long period of time for us, especially down back. He's one of those players who can play tall and small, so we'll just have to find another one to step up and replace him," he said.
 
Versatile backman Angus Litherland looms as a potential replacement, although last week's debutant Kurt Heatherley could hold his spot and full-back James Frawley might return from his jarred shoulder.

Frawley trained in a light session at Waverley, alongside tough midfielder Liam Shiels (hamstring) and dynamic forward Paul Puopolo (hip), with the trio all expected to be available for the crunch game on Saturday against North Melbourne.

Tall forward Ryan Schoenmakers, who hasn't played at AFL level since round three, also hit the track as he ramps up his comeback bid from a "grumbly” groin and will return in the VFL as he makes a late bid to be fit for the finals.