HAWTHORN wizard Cyril Rioli is expected to return to the side for Saturday's MCG clash with Melbourne after training strongly on Tuesday. 

Rioli was a late withdrawal last weekend after feeling slight discomfort in his quadriceps in the final training session before the match against Carlton at Aurora Stadium.

"He's going well. It was probably a conservative call," Hawks general manager of football operations Chris Fagan told the club website.

Match preview: Melbourne v Hawthorn

"He had an awareness of something going on, but he pulled up well, trained today and we fully expect him to play on Saturday."

Fellow small forward Paul Puopolo (hip) also missed on the weekend and is also expected to return.

Midfielder Liam Shiels is pushing for selection after missing two weeks with a hamstring strain, but is more likely to return in round 21 against North Melbourne.

Daniel Howe (calf) will play this weekend after a three-week layoff, but almost certainly at Box Hill.

Matt Spangher (hamstring) and Ryan Schoenmakers (groin) are both one week away from resuming, also at VFL level.

The Hawks are two games clear on top of the ladder, but need to win three of their last four games to ensure a top-two finish and guarantee their first two finals at the MCG.