Croad, 29, has not played since breaking his foot in last year’s grand final win against Geelong.
He began running in January but has since endured a long and slow rehabilitation.
Assistant coach John Barker said in his column on hawthornfc.com.au that Croad’s appearance on the track had “given the boys a massive lift”.
The Hawks are hanging onto eighth spot thanks to percentage, after Sunday's upset loss to the Brisbane Lions in Launceston.
“Croady has worked hard to overcome his foot injury and this is another big step in his long rehab,” Barker said.
“We are hopeful he will play a role in the second half of the year at some stage.
While Croad is yet to tackle full training, Barker said he was participating in some of the low-level drills.
“It is great to have him out there and it really lifts the team,” he said.
Barker also said Rick Ladson and Stephen Gilham were close to earning a recall to the senior side after returning from knee injuries via the VFL.
Read John Barker’s full column.
