HAWTHORN is eyeing an August return date for speedster Jarman Impey after a conservative rehabilitation process due to the AFL shutdown period.

Impey, who led the Hawks' best and fairest before rupturing his right ACL in round 18 last year, has been working on his recovery at home in country Victoria.

Given the Hawks have had limited access to the 24-year-old in the past six weeks, they're expected to take a cautious approach to the injury that also included lateral ligament damage.

The former Port Adelaide defender began running in January – almost six months after the injury sustained on July 21.

"In relation to Jarman, we'd still expect he'll be a full 12 months and he is tracking really well," head of football Graham Wright told AFL.com.au.

"We'll update further when we've had a chance to actually see him as he's been in Shepparton." 

Given clubs are preparing for a possible return to play as early as mid-June, it could mean Impey would only miss a further four-to-six weeks on top of round one.

Blake Hardwick, who finished in fifth place and one spot ahead of Impey in last year's best and fairest, is on track to play in round two after rupturing a pectoral muscle in pre-season.

Key forward Mitch Lewis is also ready to resume after missing round one with an ankle complaint.