Gun forward Jesse Hogan has been named in Melbourne's squad for Sunday's clash with Hawthorn after returning from a leave of absence to mourn the death of his father, Tony.Â
The 2015 Rising Star winner missed the Demons' scrappy win over Essendon last week, and has been left in control of when he would return to the side.Â
But he returned to training with his teammates on Thursday and on first impressions coach Simon Goodwin believes he'll line up against the Hawks at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
"He'll train fully today and we're really hopeful he'll play on Sunday," Goodwin said on Thursday morning.
"It's great to have him back at the club. He's in pretty good spirits for what he's been going through.
"It'll be get through main training with a view to playing this week. Jesse is keen to do that at this stage."
Alongside Hogan, plenty of eyes will be on Jordan Lewis at the MCG.
For the first time in 268 AFL games, Lewis will line up against the club he helped win four premierships.
Goodwin admitted his veteran midfielder had been asked for reconnaissance but it would be of limited worth.
"I'd be lying if I said I hadn't spoken to him about Hawthorn. He was there for such a long period of success," he said.
"He's shared some stuff but they're a different team as well (this year).
"They're playing a different way (but) he knows some individual players and a bit about how they play. We'll take a bit from that.
"He'll have some mixed emotions there's no doubt. Deep down I know he's looking forward to playing against his old club."
Last year, the Demons (3-3) enjoyed a round 20 breakthrough success against Hawthorn (1-5) - their first in nine years.
It seems a lifetime ago, but it's worth remembering the Hawks entered the match with a 15-3 record and on course for a fourth successive premiership.
But since then the Hawks have won just three of 12 matches, exiting the finals in straight sets and starting this season abysmally.
"It's probably 10 or 11 games ago in terms of AFL games but it feels like such a long time ago," Goodwin said.
"I've only seen them play once live (this season) and it was against the Eagles. They were pretty good that day and we're preparing for their best."
The Demons are coming off a comfortable win against Essendon and have also added Dean Kent, Josh Wagner and Billy Stretch in an extended squad. Jake Melksham was left out.
AAP