Sam Mitchell says Ben McEvoy’s return from injury is nothing short of inspirational as he prepares to play his first game in more than three months this Sunday.

Hawthorn announced on Thursday that it would welcome back McEvoy for just his second game this season after he was cleared to return to play from a neck fracture that he suffered in March.

McEvoy will line up against Adelaide on Sunday afternoon at Marvel Stadium in his first game since the Hawks' win over Port Adelaide in Round 2.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Mitchell said he will be “rapt” to see the 32-year-old run back out on the field this weekend.

“Having a player so reliable come straight back into the side, it’s great,” Mitchell said.

“He doesn’t just raise his own standards, but everyone else's around him too.”

Mitchell said McEvoy had shown endless dedication and perseverance during a long rehabilitation period.

“There’s this great feeling – not just because it’s Ben and he’s the captain of the club – but also because of what we’ve seen him go through,” Mitchell said.

“We throw around inspirational for lots of stories, but it’s genuinely inspirational how he has gone about it.

“I think everyone walks a little bit taller when he’s out there.”

Hear more from Mitchell’s presser below.