For this week’s rivalry clash the Hawks may welcome back their favourite small forward, Cyril Rioli, into the mix to take on Geelong at the MCG on Saturday night.

Cyril, who was selected for last years’ All Australian side, hasn’t played for Hawthorn since he tore his hamstring in the fifth round against North Melbourne this year.

Hawthorn’s senior coach, Alastair Clarkson, says the signs look positive and Cyril should be back playing footy this weekend, however there’s a chance he may not be ready to compete against the Cats.

Last time Cyril contested against Geelong on April 1st he had 20 disposals, one goal, five tackles and five inside 50s.

"Cyril will be a big chance to play next week, we've just got to determine where that is," Clarkson said.

The Hawks would prefer to make sure Cyril is fit for the business end of the season rather than rushing him back too early.    

"We've chosen to get a mini pre-season into him so he's ready to go and he'll play some footy next week. We just need to determine whether that's at VFL or AFL level," Clarkson said.

Although teammate Brad Sewell feels confident that Cyril will be positioned in this week’s senior list for Saturday night’s blockbuster.

“I've got no idea what the coaches are thinking, but I'd be very surprised if they decided to play him through the VFL," Sewell told AFL media.

"He's been training really, really well, so he'll be a nice inclusion for us, hopefully."

Currently Hawthorn sits comfortably on top of the ladder winning their 12th consecutive game on the weekend, where they defeated the Lions by 58 points.

This Saturday night Hawthorn will also miss another significant midfielder, Xavier Ellis (calf) and Liam Shiels (ankle), along with key defender Grant Birchall who has been ruled out with a PCL injury for six to four weeks.