HAWTHORN forward Lance Franklin has joined his teammates on the training track on Thursday morning and Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson says he will be named for Friday night's semi final against the Sydney Swans.

The Coleman medallist hyper-extended his knee during last week's 31-point loss to Geelong, and had previously been rated only an outside chance of being fit to face the Swans.

But, wearing long leggings that concealed any potential strapping on the knee, Franklin completed the team's warm-up on the MCG before doing goal-kicking practice for the remainder of the session.

Clarkson said the star's prospects of playing had improved as the week progressed.

"One thing we will be certain of is he's not going to go out there if he's under any risk at all, so we'll determine that over the next 24 hours," Clarkson said.

"But at this stage we're expecting him to play.

"His progress over the course of the week has been unbelievable.

"He's just got a really positive attitude, and that's put him in some sort of chance to play."

Ruckman Max Bailey, subbed out of the Cats clash with a sore calf, also took part in the light session and moved freely.

Clarkson said the 24 year-old's battle with in-form Swans big man Shane Mumford shaped as crucial to Hawthorn's chances of winning, after they were beaten out of the centre by Brad Ottens and the Geelong midfield last week.

"The ruck contest will be really important," Clarkson said.

"Mumford gives them first look at the footy, and their contested balls and clearances are up high in the competition, so that's going to be a key part of the game.

"It was an area that we were OK in last week against Geelong, but when you play against the Cats and indeed against sides like Sydney in finals, you need to be outstanding in that area.

"We weren't consistent enough in our application over four quarters last week.

"There were two periods of the game, one at the start of the second quarter and one of the end of the third quarter against the Cats that cost us the game.

"We'll need to make sure we play four quarters."

Mark Macgugan writes for hawthornfc.com.au and covers Hawks news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mmacgugan.