Jarman Impey has given the Hawthorn match committee something to dwell on this week after successfully making it through a full game on the weekend.

Impey performed strongly in the reserves side's scrimmage match against Sydney on Saturday, with two runs now under his belt after almost 12 months rehabilitating his knee.

Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd said the decision was now whether the dashing defender has completed a satisfactory preparation ahead of his return to senior footy. 

"Jarman got through his second practice match on the weekend, stepping up his minutes, so he was able to get through a full game," Boyd said. 

"We'll assess where he's at this week and then make that decision on whether he needs one more game (before his return to the senior side)."

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In more good news for the Hawks, Daniel Howe is set to make his return to the field this weekend after an extended stint on the sidelines following foot surgery.

Boyd said the medical staff had been buoyed by Howe's work on the track in recent weeks.  

"Howie has had a really good training block over the last six weeks - he has built up to what we would say is match levels in training.

"The next step for him is to get out there and play some matches so what we'll look to do is intro him into the scrimmage game this week against GWS.

"So, we'll look at limited game-time for him and then start to build his minutes up from there.

"Things are starting to get going for Howie."

Meanwhile, Tim O'Brien was the lone injury news to come from the Hawks loss to Melbourne on Sunday.

O'Brien landed awkwardly on his ankle after a marking contest in the early stages of the Hawks Round 7 clash. 

Boyd said O'Brien will be unavailable for this week's game against Sydney, but beyond that remains to be seen. 

"It's what we would call a moderate grade injury to the lateral side of his ankle.

"He won't be available this week but we will reassess later in the week and start to get him going.

"We'll have to take it week-by-week with this one."

Injury list