HAWTHORN has all-but wiped out its injury list nearing the midway stage of the season, with the reigning premier buoyed by the news Paul Puopolo has escaped a serious foot injury.
The Hawks have received several positive reports on the medical front, notably that vice-captain Jordan Lewis (bruised shoulder) is a near certain starter for the Etihad Stadium clash.
Triple-premiership defender Grant Birchall (jarred ankle) and young gun Will Langford (calf) are also in contention to return.
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Meanwhile, premiership players Ben McEvoy and Matt Spangher, plus youngster Zac Webster, will all make comebacks from hamstring injuries this weekend.
It leaves only defender Kaiden Brand (shoulders) – who has been ruled out for the year - facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
Puopolo hurt his foot when he was tackled in the last quarter of the 53-point win over Gold Coast in Launceston last Saturday, but the small forward is hopeful of being available against the Saints.
"It's actually a bit of a foot sprain. He's touch and go for the weekend. He's made some rapid improvement since Saturday," Hawks football manager Chris Fagan told the club's website.
"If you talk to him he's going 'I reckon I'm a chance', so we'll wait and see what later in the week brings.
"We don't play until Sunday, so we'll give him every chance."
Lewis trained on Tuesday, while Birchall and Langford need to prove their fitness this week.
"The expectation is that they will be available, but as we know they've got to get through training and we'll just see how they are – we won't take any risks," Fagan said.
Ryan Schoenmakers was a late withdrawal from the Suns clash due to team balance, and the swingman is among the Hawks back in the mix for senior selection after booting three goals in the VFL on Sunday.
The sixth-placed Hawks (5-4) head into the Saints contest desperate to string together consecutive wins for the first time this year.
"It's incredibly important. It's been a frustrating year in that regard," Fagan said.
"We've probably had three good weeks of form. I thought the Swans game, whilst it was disappointing to lose, we actually played really well in that game, other than the start.
"We've got to get that one right this weekend, so we'll be putting in a very determined effort and we'll be keen to go into the mid-season break 6-4 with a healthy percentage."
