FULL FORWARD Lance Franklin looks set to make his long awaited return for the Hawks for its blockbuster clash with Sydney at the SCG on Saturday.
After falling ill last Saturday evening, Franklin’s comeback from a hamstring injury was delayed another week, as rumours continued to swirl around the 25-year-old.
The good news is, that the 2011 Coleman Medallist is set to return after six weeks on the sidelines, barring any last minute bad luck.
General Manager - Football Operations, Mark Evans confirmed Franklin had recovered from the illness, with tests clearing him of any major medical condition.
“He’s feeling a lot better,” Evans said.
“The headache is gone, he had a light training session on Monday just to blow the cobwebs out.
“He participated fully in training yesterday, he’s had a few tests to clear him of any major illness that would prevent him from playing, and he’s feeling fine.
“If he can continue across that way for the rest of this week, he plays.”
Cyril Rioli is also on the improve, with the exciting small forward working his way back from a shoulder injury sustained in the win over Port Adelaide in Round 20.
He won’t play against the Swans, but could return for the Hawks’ final home-and-away match against the Eagles in Round 23.
Evans says Rioli’s aim is to strengthen and mobilise the shoulder after rejoining the Hawks’ training program earlier this week before returning.
“We gave Cyril a couple of days out of the program late last week,” Evans said.
“He’s rejoined the program, running around a lot freer in the shoulder.
“[But] he’ll still need to work on that shoulder strength and mobility over the next week.”
Defender Josh Gibson could bolster the Hawks defence for Saturday’s top of the table clash, but midfielder Sam Mitchell is in doubt after missing the win over Gold Coast on Sunday.
Gibson (ankle) was ruled out at selection on Thursday last week, while Mitchell was pulled from the side over the weekend with a calf injury.
“He’s had a good run around at the end of last week and again this week,” Evans said of Gibson.
“At this stage, things are looking good for Josh.”
The Hawks will give Mitchell until the end of the week to prove his fitness.
“That’s been a little bit slower, but ran around at the start of this week,” Evans said of Mitchell’s rehabilitation.
“Let’s see how they progress by the end of the week.”
Injury list
Andrew Boseley (shoulder) - season
Jarrad Boumann (hand) - 1-2 weeks
Lance Franklin (illness) - test
Josh Gibson (ankle) - test
Luke Lowden (wrist) - season
Sam Mitchell (calf) - test
Michael Osborne (knee) - season
Cyril Rioli (shoulder) - 1-2 weeks
Alex Woodward (knee) - season
RELATED
Club dispells Franklin rumours No mind games on Buddy
Buddy a late out
