Hawthorn Coach Alastair Clarkson says managing an injured player’s return to the field is always a “delicate” process.
The Hawks match committee will make their final call on whether midfielder Tom Scully makes his debut in the brown and gold against the Western Bulldogs on Friday afternoon.
“We will make our determination today on whether he plays or not,” Clarkson said.
“He’s spent the best part of the last six to eight weeks in the performance phase, getting himself ready to play.
“We’ve just got to make that choice now on whether he is ready.”
Clarkson confirmed that if the former Giant is not selected in the senior side, he will likely take his place in the Box Hill line-up in a practice match against Werribee on Saturday.
Asked if he was “amazed” by the speed of Scully’s recovery, the four-time premiership coach denied that there was much surprise within the four walls of the Ricoh Centre.
“It hasn’t staggered us.
“We did our due diligence around his ankle at the time and we were able to look at all the scans that had occurred in the previous 12 months.
“He is such a pro.”
The final team will be announced at 5pm ahead of Sunday's clash against the Western Bulldogs at 3.20pm.
