First-year players Sam Butler and Ned Long will be a test to play this weekend after recovering from their respective injuries.

Butler has been missing in action since Round 16 following a shin injury he sustained at training.

After managing seven consecutive games off the back of his debut in Round 9, the 19-year-old will be eager to do what he can to break back into the senior side.

Following some strong form in the VFL, Long was dealt with a minor setback after suffering a concussion during Box Hill’s Round 16 game.

Youngster Tyler Brockman has also started running again this week for the first time following his shoulder surgery.  

Meanwhile in some unfortunate news, Connor Downie re-injured his hamstring late last week after being on the edge to a return.

The 20-year-old has spent most of the year on the sidelines due to several setbacks.

Hawthorn Doctor Hussain Khan has the latest in this week’s AIA Injury Report below.

Injury list

Sam Butler – shin – test

Ned Long – concussion – test

Connor Downie – hamstring – TBC

Chad Wingard – hamstring/finger – season

Sam Frost – knee – season

James Worpel – shoulder – season

Lachlan Bramble – back – season

Tyler Brockman – shoulder – season

Seamus Mitchell – ankle – season