HAWTHORN has received a boost ahead of Friday night's blockbuster clash against Collingwood, with key defender Matt Spangher expected to be available after recovering well from an ankle injury.

Spangher sent a scare through the Hawks camp when he landed awkwardly after taking a strong mark playing for Box Hill last Saturday.

The incident threatened to be a double blow for Hawthorn's key defensive stocks, as it happened about the same time that prized recruit James Frawley went down with an apparent dislocated shoulder against Essendon at the MCG.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said post-match he expected Frawley to miss the Pies' clash, with a full prognosis yet to be confirmed by the club.

But 195cm Spangher appears to have dodged a bullet and could come into contention for his first senior game since last year's Grand Final.

"He might be a chance," Hawks veteran Grant Birchall told AFL.com.au.

"We've got a couple of guys who are playing really well down there. 'Spang' might be an option - he pulled up OK, so we'll see how it goes on selection come tomorrow or Thursday."

Spangher has been cursed by injuries since he was drafted by West Coast in 2005, with the popular big man managing just 51 career games at the Eagles, Swans and Hawks.

He was hampered by a lingering calf issue over pre-season, before he hurt a hamstring in round one of the VFL season.

Spangher spent seven weeks on the sidelines, however he has since played three VFL games and Birchall believed his match fitness would be up to scratch if he was recalled to face the Pies.

"I think he's had two or three games down there now, so it would be good to get him back in the side because he's a fantastic competitor and we know what he brings each week," Birchall said. 

Swingman Ryan Schoenmakers loomsas another tall option for Hawthorn's match committee to consider after he wasdropped for the 38-point win over the Bombers.

The Hawks have struggled to getcontinuity in their defence this season, with Birchall one of several importantplayers sidelined by injury.

The triple-premiership starreturned from a three-game lay-off due to a frustrating jarred ankle lastSaturday, picking up 23 touches in his typical no-fuss style.

"It did take a little bitlonger than expected. It was just really slow progress," Birchall said.

"It actually healed quitewell early on and then just gradually got better slowly. I'm happy to be backout there, I felt great during the game.

"It was good to find a bitof the footy and, more importantly, get the win. So I'm looking forward tobacking up again this week."