Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell says he is looking forward to welcoming Jarman Impey back after missing last week's clash, labelling the defender as an "important" piece to his young side.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Mitchell said Impey needed to complete the main training session to be considered for selection ahead of the clash against GWS.  

"As long as he gets through training, he'll be fine," Mitchell said.

"He's an important player for us, I think his form has been really consistent. The other thing I love about Jars is that it doesn't always matter how the team is playing, he is always able to perform at a higher level.

"Sometimes we've had a bad quarter and he has been really important for us. His run and drive, leadership is really important for us so we'll certainly welcome him back."

Meanwhile, Mitchell revealed that his side will be without veteran forward Luke Breust after he was ruled out with a throat injury. 

"Luke had a pretty uncomfortable knock in the throat on the weekend during the game and got some scans today," Mitchell said.

"Apparently he wont have his voice back for 10 to 14 days, it just a bit too bruised to risk playing this week."

Changkuoth Jiath is also moving closer to his return, will Mitchell hopeful that the 24-year-old would be back soon.

"Jiath has got to get through training today, we'll see what he is like from a minutes point of view from the medical staff (before making a decision on selection)," Mitchell said.

"He played well at Box Hill and did everything that's required...he's a really important player and big part of the future, so we're looking forward to getting him back in when we get the chance."

Having kicked four goals on the weekend in the VFL, Denver Grainger-Barras is also in the mix, with the coach impressed with the defender's performance in attack.

"He went forward for the first time, he was able to kick four and create some good contests in front of the ball," Mitchell added. 

"No one had ever questioned his courage and how he goes about it in the air and his desire, so he was able to do it for last week and we'll see how that looks this week.

"We'll continue to monitor him as a forward and see if there is something there to work with."

Hawthorn takes an even record against GWS, but a poor record at GIANTS Stadium into Saturday’s game, having yet to win a game at the venue.

"We haven't had a very good record at all at that stadium, so we need to do a couple of things differently," Mitchell said.

"Their run and gun style and defensive pressure is really strong so we know we're going to have to match them in that area.

"We've got to be ready for the fight against a really good side."

Hear more from Mitchell below.