HAWTHORN could roll the dice and call up Ryan Schoenmakers in the first week of finals after the key forward's rapid improvement from a long-term groin injury.

Schoenmakers successfully returned in the VFL last Saturday, playing three quarters and kicking a goal in Box Hill's win over Sandringham.

It was the 25-year-old's first match since May and he will ramp up his workload against Collingwood's reserves side this Saturday.

Schoenmakers could then be in the mix to face the Magpies in round 23, or he might even be primed for a possible qualifying final comeback.

"He's got some boxes to tick in terms of getting through another game this week, but he's been training well and we've got great faith in what he can do," coach Alastair Clarkson said on Thursday.

"We're hoping he'll become a player we can select at some stage throughout finals or even next week if he goes OK.

"He's had a long time out of the game … we were thinking at some point about six weeks ago this season might be gone.
"But he's progressed really well in the last six or eight weeks, so that's a welcome bonus for us."

The Hawks have adapted without the bulk and size of premiership stars Jarryd Roughead (melanoma) and Schoenmakers in attack, relying more on smalls Cyril Rioli (41 goals), Luke Breust (39) and Paul Puopolo (31) to kick winning scores.

Jack Gunston (45) has led the forward line, which is averaging 98 points per game – 13 fewer than last season.

But emerging marking targets James Sicily (26), Tim O'Brien (12) and last week's debutant Ryan Burton have also stepped up.
"They've been inconsistent from time to time – they've also really pleased us with some of their progress too," Clarkson said.

"It's a big ask to replace Jarryd Roughead; he's probably in the best five or six players in the competition and one of the best two or three key forwards in the game.

"So you're not going to get that sort of application, talent and influence on the game from a first- or second-year player.

"We've been OK in that area, but Schoenmakers being available at some point in time over the next four weeks will help us in that area for sure."

With out-of-favour Collingwood big man Travis Cloke reportedly looking for a new home, some have suggested Hawthorn could swoop on the premiership forward.

But Clarkson wouldn't be drawn on the question on Thursday, as the Hawks flew west to face the Eagles.

"I don't even worry about that stuff right now," he said.