HAWTHORN'S boom recruit Jaeger O'Meara has taken a small but significant step in his recovery from chronic knee issues by making an appearance at the new-look Hawks' first pre-season session.

In a sight that will hearten the brown-and-gold faithful, the former Gold Coast midfield star was on limited duties, with Channel Seven footage showing him participating in a stationary handball session at the Ricoh Centre in sweltering conditions on Monday.

O'Meara's troublesome knee was also strapped for the session.

Other notable figures on the track included fellow big-name signing Tom Mitchell, the former Sydney onballer, and ex-Tigers big man Ty Vickery.

Delisted ruckman Jack Fitzpatrick also trained, adding further credence to speculation the Hawks will throw him a lifeline.

O'Meara, 22, hasn't played in the AFL since the final round of 2014 after tearing a patella tendon in a 2015 NEAFL practice match.

He was granted his wish of a trade to the AFL powerhouse after protracted negotiations in October, in exchange for Hawthorn's pick No.10 at the 2016 NAB AFL Draft and its 2017 second-round pick.

The Hawks hope O'Meara and Mitchell will reinvigorate their list following the loss of four-time premiership veterans Sam Mitchell (West Coast) and Jordan Lewis (Melbourne).