The Hawks midfield may be set for a valuable boost ahead of the side’s clash with North Melbourne on Saturday.

Explosive on-baller Jaeger O’Meara has missed the last fortnight with a hip complaint, but Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd suggested the 27-year-old was on the cusp of a return.

"He's progressing really well,” Boyd said on Tuesday.

“He was able to do a little bit of straight line ball work last week and full trained today, so the plan for Jaeger is to full train on Thursday, and assuming he gets through that session okay we expect him to play this week."

Footy Flashbacks: A significant date in Hawks history

Labelled a 'test' in the AIA Vitality Update, Shaun Burgoyne will be forced to prove his fitness as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury. 

Sitting on 395 games, Burgoyne has been sidelined the past two weeks. 

Defender Damon Greaves is another Hawk pressing his claims for selection in Round 9.

An inactivated medical sub against St Kilda in Round 7, Greaves is yet to take to the field for the senior side in 2021.

The 21-year-old showed plenty of promise in three appearances for Hawthorn in the backend of last season, proving a reliable ball-user off the half-back line. 

Box Hill Coach Sam Mitchell praised the youngster's attitude in the side's recent game against Werribee.

"Greavesy was our strongest listed performer," Mitchell said.

"He came to the game with a steely mindset, ready to compete, and had a fantastic balance between offence and defence, making a solid contribution on both sides of the ball."

First-year forward Tyler Brockman also impressed at VFL level on the weekend, with some work worthy of a highlight reel as well as some ferocious defensive pressure. 

The Hawks will also be forced to consider how they counteract Kangaroos ruckman Todd Goldstein, with Jon Ceglar's potential availability following an ankle injury also one to watch.