Hawthorn defender Grant Birchall is nearing a return to the field after a long hiatus on the sidelines.

Birchall has not featured at any level since Round 15 2017 after multiple injury concerns have interrupted the best part of his past two seasons.

Physical Performance Manager Luke Boyd said the four-time premiership defender has made strong progress across his last training block.

“Grant is progressing well now,” Boyd said.

“He has been training for a good seven weeks now, so we’re looking for him to play some game-time either this week or next week.”

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Meanwhile Chad Wingard is also making a strong recovery from the hamstring injury he suffered in Round 11.

The club is hopeful of Wingard re-joining the line-up next week.

“Chad was able to start running quite quickly after his injury,” Boyd said.

“We’re hoping he will be available to play against West Coast in Round 15.”

Darren Minchington – hamstring – test

Chad Wingard – hamstring – 1 week

Jacob Koschitzke – hip – 1 week

Grant Birchall – calf – 1 week

Jack Scrimshaw – knee – 1-2 weeks

Tom Mitchell – leg – season

Tim Mohr – knee – season