HAWTHORN hopes to regain James Frawley within a month after deciding not to send the key defender for potentially season-ending shoulder surgery.

Frawley damaged ligaments when he dislocated his left shoulder in the second quarter against Essendon on Saturday, with initial fears he could have to go under the knife and miss the rest of the Hawks' push for a three-peat.

But the 26-year-old – who tore his left pectoral against the Bombers in round two and missed a month of football – could be back within three weeks.

"He's had a series of scans over the last few days and discussions with our medical people, and it looks at this point in time that James will probably miss three to four weeks," football manager Chris Fagan told the club's website.

"He'll go through a rehabilitation process. I noticed he was out there running this morning at training, which was a good sign.

"No surgery at this point in time."

The Hawks have a challenging run coming up, facing five top-six teams in the next six rounds.

Frawley shapes as a key player in the push for a top-four berth and is a strong chance to be back before clashes with in-form Richmond and West Coast in rounds 18 and 19.

The reigning premiers confirmed key defender Matt Spangher avoided serious damage after he rolled his ankle for Box Hill last Saturday.

 "We've only got until Friday night, so we won't be taking any risks with him. If he's not right to play then he'll have the weekend off," Fagan said.

Veteran midfielder Sam Mitchell has recovered well from a corked leg and trained on Tuesday.