Tom Mitchell is now likely to play in Hawthorn's practice match this Friday night, following a shift in thinking as the 2018 Brownlow medallist continues his comeback from a serious leg injury.

The Hawks had been planning to hold off introducing the champion midfielder back into match practice, but after further dicusions between coaches and fitness staff have now decided he is ready to join in full contact work and match practice this week.

Hawthorn's Tom Mitchell (right) will play a half of the intra-club match on Friday. Credit:AAP

Mitchell is likely to play a half a game in Friday night's intra-club match ahead of the jumper presentations at Waverley Park.

It has been just over 12 months since the 2018 Brownlow winner snapped the tibia and fibula in his left leg during a pre-season training session.