Tom Mitchell at training in late May with his shoulder heavily strapped. Picture: Getty Images

BROWNLOW medallist Tom Mitchell will nurse a sore right shoulder through the early rounds after aggravating an old injury in recent weeks but isn't at risk of missing any games.

Mitchell sat out all of last year after breaking his left leg in a gruesome training incident in January before returning in round one this season. 

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Hawthorn's star midfielder wore strapping on his right shoulder in Friday night's 61-point loss to Geelong and will continue to for at least the next few weeks.

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Mitchell felt soreness in the shoulder after a training session a few weeks ago and wore a blue cap, indicating no or limited contact, in the Hawks' subsequent intraclub hitouts leading into round two.

He underwent surgery on the same shoulder to repair damage to his AC joint after Hawthorn's semi-final defeat to Melbourne in 2018.

Hawks football boss Graham Wright told AFL.com.au that Mitchell pulled up well from the Cats clash and would face Richmond on Thursday.

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The news comes as Mitchell's ex-housemate and fellow onballer Jaeger O'Meara (facial fracture) prepares to train fully on Tuesday ahead of a likely return against the Tigers.

"He's got a grumbly right shoulder that he aggravated a number of weeks ago," Wright told AFL.com.au of Mitchell.

"He got through the game fine on Friday night and he appears to be fine and will play this week."

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O'Meara's absence was felt deeply against Geelong, with Hawthorn losing the clearances 41-23 and contested possession 139-108.

Coach Alastair Clarkson told reporters afterwards his side was "smacked around the ball" and was made to look "third or fourth-rate".

Liam Shiels (23), Mitchell (21), James Worpel (19) and Chad Wingard (13) accounted for most of the Hawks' centre-bounce attendances on Friday night, with Shaun Burgoyne (five) the only other player to have more than one.

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Hawthorn's potential midfield reinforcements include James Cousins and untried pair Harry Jones and Finn Maginness, while Dan Howe is recovering from a long-term foot problem.

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