Cyril Rioli is now a realistic chance of being available for the start of the season after his best training session of the pre-season.

Rioli suffered a season-ending PCL injury in Round 8 last year, the same day James Frawley and Ben Stratton also sustained season ending injuries. He then had a delayed start to the summer after his father suffered a heart attack in late September last year.

"He was explosive and looked his old self again, which is really exciting," Director of High Performance Andrew Russell said during the club's recovery report.

"We need to work out how much time he needs. He needs to be conditioned well.

"He’ll be ready when he’s ready and that will be some time around Round 1."

Grant Birchall is back doing ball work, and according to Russell, the veteran half-back has "turned the corner" after various complications stemming from a PCL injury last season.

Ruckman Jon Ceglar is recovering from back tightness and has resumed running, but he and Birchall would appear to be the only Hawks who can be absolutely ruled out of the season-opener against Collingwood at the MCG on March 24.

Russell said he expected the Hawks to field a strong side for the hit-out against the Blues.

Read: Draftees impress in Box Hill practice match