THE HAWKS are set to welcome back a handful of players ahead of Friday's MCG blockbuster against Collingwood, with veteran Shane Crawford the biggest name likely to return.

Crawford, 33, missed the side's past two losses against St Kilda and Geelong with knee tendonitis.

“He wanted to play last week but they stuck to their plan and gave him two weeks of training to make sure he gets there okay,” skipper Sam Mitchell said on Monday.

"So I think he’s a good chance this week."

Mitchell said former Port Adelaide star Stuart Dew was recovered from his hamstring injury, while ball carrier Clinton Young appears to have shaken off the back tightness that kept him out of Friday's side.

"Benny McGlynn might be another week away," Mitchell added.

"There’s four or five guys there who we probably think are in our best 22 and we’d like to get them in the side as soon as we can.”

Meanwhile, new dad Luke Hodge is taking some time away from Waverley this week to spend time with baby Cooper and wife Lauren.
“He’s having today off," Mitchell said.

"He was very excited but very tired. He didn’t get much sleep last night. I think he’s sitting with Lauren in hospital for another day or so and then he’ll be back later in the week."