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Roger Vaughan

Hawks' Ginnivan expected to return for Dockers final

Jack Ginnivan is expected to play for Hawthorn in Thursday's qualifying final against Fremantle. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Jack Ginnivan is expected to return for the AFL qualifying final against Fremantle as the Hawthorn livewire manages back soreness.

Ginnivan has been managed for several weeks and did not play a fortnight ago in their Perth win over West Coast.

But ahead of Tuesday training, coach Sam Mitchell was confident he would return against the Dockers.

"(The week off was) really beneficial, we'll see how he goes at training - I suspect he will be available," Mitchell said.

"He's a pro, he really goes about it in a very professional way these days and I'm sure he will be fine."

Hawks
The Hawks on Tuesday preparing for their crunch clash with the Dockers in Perth. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)

Conor Nash is out for the rest of the season because of a neck injury, otherwise the Hawks will take a healthy list into September.

"We have a pretty fit playing list, so the medical and strength and conditioning staff have done a great job to give us great availability at this time of year, which is what we need to get it done," Mitchell said.

A big part of Fremantle's minor premiership was being unbeaten at home, and the Hawks will start underdogs.

The Dockers used their Wharfie Time rally to fire up the crowd in round nine, when they roared back in the last quarter to beat the Hawks.

Fremantle Dockers
Fremantle players applaud their fans after the round-nine win over Hawthorn at home. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

But an away final holds no fears for Hawthorn, having won two last season.

"I'm glad we're playing there. If you're going to play your first final in Perth, it's good we've been there a couple of times this year and we've experienced a game against Freo," Mitchell said.

"We're about as wellprepared as you can be to play in what's going to be a pretty hostile environment, against what's been the best team in the competition."

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