Hawthorn premiership defender Grant Birchall has been ruled out of the Hawks' round one clash against Collingwood, with the club taking a cautious approach as he recovers from a persistent knee injury.

The Hawks' football manager Graham Wright said they would continue to monitor Birchall's progress over the next six weeks but did not want to rush him in an attempt to have him play in their season opener.

Wright said the club would not put a date on his return but he was confident the 30-year-old would be available to return in the early rounds of the 2018 season.

Grant Birchall will not play round one. Credit:AAP

"He is ruled out for round one," Wright told The Age.