HAWTHORN key defender Josh Gibson is on schedule to return for the top-of-the-table clash against Sydney on Saturday week.

A punishing training program over the past couple of weeks has restored the best-and-fairest winner’s fitness to AFL level following a two-month layoff for a torn pectoral muscle.

“I’ve been able to keep my conditioning up by doing plenty of running and riding and then, once I got the green light to do more weights and upper body stuff, that’s been where the progression has been,” he said.

“That has been what has stopped me from playing a few weeks ago because you need to get your strength back to an acceptable level.’’

media_camera Josh Gibson at Hawthorn training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Gibson, who suffered the chest injury against the Swans in Round 8, was passed fit to play last round, but the Hawks took a conservative approach by using this split round to have such an important backman primed for the blockbuster Saturday night game at the MCG.

“I’m excited now to get in one more hitout during the bye week and hopefully, if all things go well, I’m back for the game against Sydney,” he said.

With Sydney’s tall forwards powering the Swans to 12 straight wins, the timing of Gibson’s return could not be better.

Gibson’s availability coincides with Brian Lake’s four-week ban for his ugly choke-hold, making the returning defender all the more valuable.

Hawthorn also has Cyril Rioli on track to return from a hamstring strain ahead of schedule and before a finals campaign, while Bradley Hill needs to pass a fitness test to play against the Swans.

On Sydney’s radar to return is Tippett, who has missed two matches, and Dan Hannebery, last sighted in round 13 when he suffered an ankle injury.

Both sides have this weekend off due to the split round.