A KEY piece of Hawthorn's premiership puzzle fell into place on Thursday when full-back Stephen Gilham made his return to competitive football from a long injury layoff.

Gilham, 27, has not played since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament against St Kilda in round eight last season. Hawthorn’s head of coaching Chris Fagan was pleased with what Gilham was able to do against the AIS-AFL Academy Australian under-18s team at the MCG.

"He achieved what he was meant to achieve tonight without setting the world on fire, but it was his first step on the road back really, so we're pretty happy with him," Fagan said of Gilham’s efforts in the 31-point win.

"Our aim for ‘Gilly’ tonight was to play between 55 and 60 minutes, which he achieved. He did that over three quarters, he didn't play in the last, and he ended up with eight touches.

"He was pretty rusty, he hasn't played since about round eight last year, but it was just good for him to get out there and play a game.

"We were satisfied with what he did."

Fagan felt Gilham would need between four to six weeks to build up his game time and find form before being considered for senior selection.

Liam Shiels also made his return from a corked thigh suffered in round one of the NAB Cup, and got better as the game went on to finish with 28 touches and a goal.

Bradley Hill, who joined the club at the last NAB AFL Draft at pick 33, put in a dashing display with four goals and 23 possessions.

"It's interesting, he didn't play so well for Box Hill on the weekend on the smaller Sandringham oval, but the reason we recruited him was for his speed and his ability to run and on the MCG he was able to show that talent," Fagan said of Hill's performance.

"To do what he did is a pretty pleasing effort. He was really eye-catching."

Fagan also singled out rookie Tom Schneider for praise for his 20-disposal effort characterised by his hardness at the contest.