HAWTHORN is cautiously optimistic of having key utility Jack Gunston back in the side for Saturday night's crunch game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The 26-year-old was a late withdrawal ahead of last weekend's clash with Greater Western Sydney because of a corked calf suffered against Gold Coast the week before.

"He came out of the game pretty sore," Hawks high performance manager Andrew Russell told hawthornfc.com.au."We thought he was a pretty good chance and he got to about 80 per cent of full function but didn't improve in the last couple of days, so he wasn't ready to play.

"We'll do everything we can to get him up for this week. He's a test at this stage and he's looking pretty good."

Also facing a test ahead of the Bulldogs game is midfielder Will Langford, who suffered both a dislocated and a jarred finger against the Giants.

If Langford doesn't play, promising second-year midfielder James Cousins won't be his replacement. Cousins suffered an adductor injury in the VFL on Saturday and will likely miss a week.

The Hawks also reported that veteran Shaun Burgoyne is recovering well from his hamstring strain and won't miss any more than the four weeks that was initially forecast. This would have him back for the clash with Fremantle in round 19.

Hawthorn (8-6) is 10th on the ladder, and must beat the improving Bulldogs on Saturday night to maximise their hopes of making the finals.