HAWTHORN skipper Luke Hodge will be given one last week of training before making his return to the side.

Hodge, who has played just two matches this year and none since hurting his medial ligament against St Kilda in round six, was hopeful of returning to the side against Greater Western Sydney on Sunday.

He has been back in full training for the last three weeks, albeit while sporting a large knee brace.

But he was left out of the 25-man squad for the game against the Giants and was also not selected for the Box Hill Hawks clash against Geelong on Saturday afternoon.

"The thought was to give him another week of full training," said Hawthorn football manager Mark Evans.

Meanwhile, the Hawks are reporting that superstar spearhead Lance Franklin is right to go on Sunday after experiencing hamstring tightness against Carlton last Friday.

"There was never too much wrong with him," Evans said.

"He did some decent strides and sprints at training on Thursday, so we think he'll play."

Franklin needs just two goals on Sunday to reach the 500-goal milestone for his career.

And from a bottom line point of view for the Hawks, Franklin's appearance and the prospect of a big day out in front of the goals is likely to bring another 5000 fans to the MCG.

The Melbourne Cricket Club has forecast a crowd of just 25,000 for the match.