HAWTHORN'S undersized backline is set for a double-boost with Brian Lake rated "a sneaky chance" to return alongside James Frawley against Melbourne on Saturday.
Lake is pushing for an early return from a medial strain, which the veteran fullback sustained during the Hawks' Anzac Day loss to Port Adelaide.
Frawley is a near certain starter against his former Demons teammates, having recovered from a pectoral tear suffered in round two.
Match preview: Hawks v Demons
"He was really close for GWS, probably at a pinch could have played, but we just took the conservative approach," Hawks football manager Chris Fagan told the club's website.
"(We) would expect, without anything unfortunate happening at training this week, he'll be available for selection against his old team on Saturday afternoon.
"Lakey, he's a sneaky chance for this weekend, I guess. We'll just see how he goes on Thursday (at training)."
The Hawks would eagerly welcome back the duo into a defence which leaked 108 points against the Giants – the first time this season an opponent has notched the ton against the reigning premiers.
Premiership defender Matt Spangher is also making solid progress from a hamstring strain, although the 28-year-old is still likely to be several weeks away from playing.
"Spang's running program has picked up in the last week. He's had a bit of a smile back on his face and feels like he's getting closer to playing, but we'll take our time with him and make sure that he's right when he does return," Fagan said.
The Hawks received a further lift on the injury front with veteran ruckman David Hale playing his first match for three weeks for Box Hill last Sunday after back trouble.
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"Haley got through the game. It was his first hit-out for a few weeks and that was the most important thing just to get some minutes into his legs," Fagan said.
"He was certainly a bit rusty having not played much football, so he'll be better for the run. He'll continue his program with Box Hill again this weekend and hopefully be challenging for AFL selection sometime soon."
Former Giants midfielder Jonathan O'Rourke was Box Hill's best in a six-point loss to Werribee, while Alex Woodward's continued strong form should see him in contention for his first match of the year at the MCG.
Fagan said there were several other youngsters putting their hands up for the senior side, which will again be without suspended leaders Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis. Athletic New Zealand defender Kurt Heatherley, 20, continued his impressive form as he pushes to make his AFL debut, while a couple of last year's draftees were influential in wet conditions.
"A few of our young players stood up. Kurt Heatherley probably played his best game for the club, which was great to see," Fagan said.
"Dan Howe and Teia Miles I thought really played good games and showed a lot of promise, so it's good to see those guys doing well and hopefully in weeks to come some of them might get an opportunity."
