HAWTHORN’s injury list looks set to completely clear up in the next fortnight.

Star small forwards Cyril Rioli (general soreness) and Paul Puopolo (hip) are all but certain to return for Saturday’s match against Melbourne, while another handful of Hawks are close to being back in action.

Key position duo Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) and Matt Spangher (hamstring) have missed the bulk of 2016 through injury, but are close to returning through the VFL with finals fast approaching.

Schoenmakers has played just three AFL matches this season - in the first three rounds - while Spangher has only featured in the top flight on one occasion, when he sustained an injury early in the game against Brisbane lions in his comeback match.

“The plan at this stage is that they won’t play this weekend, but they’ll play the weekend after, maybe in some sort of limited game time,” GM – Football Operations Chris Fagan said on Tuesday.

“Both of those guys are going really well.”

Midfielder Liam Shiels is a ‘50-50’ chance to return from a hamstring injury against the Dees, but “more likely the week after” according to Fagan, while second-year utility Daniel Howe is expected to be available for selection this week after recovering from a calf injury.

Both Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) and Ryan Burton (knee) made successful returns through the VFL on the weekend.