HAWTHORN let its players loose in match simulation at Waverley Park on Friday but some high-profile members were among those to sit out.

Jarman Impey (knee), Jaeger O'Meara (facial fracture) – who hurt himself on Monday – and Dan Howe (foot) trained away from the main group, as did first-round draft pick Will Day, recruit Michael Hartley and Irishman Conor Glass.

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Day experienced some foot soreness last week, so was on light duties.

All-Australian swingman Jack Gunston, who underwent pre-season ankle surgery but played in round one, was another who sat out periods of match simulation to instead run laps as the club manages his load.

Second-year forward Mathew Walker (hip) is also still recovering from his latest setback.

The Hawks, like all clubs, will tread carefully in this short lead-in period to games, to ensure they have as healthy a list as possible for the season resumption.

They are being cautious with Impey's recovery from last year's ACL setback but plan to have him back by July, while O'Meara is likely to avoid contact until the week of round two.

The 26-year-old midfielder was on light duties in Friday's session, including lap running, light kicking with teammates and shots at goal.

Hawthorn remains positive publicly that O'Meara will face Geelong on June 12 at GMHBA Stadium, with coach Alastair Clarkson saying on Friday morning he hoped it was just "a small blip". 

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The Hawks reduced some players' involvement in match simulation, including veterans Shaun Burgoyne, Ben McEvoy, Ricky Henderson and Ben Stratton, instead sending them for tempo running later in the session.

It was a similar story for star defender James Sicily, who still did plenty throughout training.

One of the beneficiaries of the shutdown period, Blake Hardwick, who wore strapping on his right side to protect his pectoral injury, trained strongly and appears certain to play against the Cats.

Another defender, trade acquisition Sam Frost, impressed in match simulation, often opposed to Mitch Lewis, with his one-on-one work and penchant for turning defence into offence.