Track watch: Glenn McFarlane’s notes from Hawthorn training

Hawthorn fans will have to wait a little longer to see Tom Barrass run out in the brown and gold. Plus an update on Sam Frost and a star who will sit out the first practice match with concussion.

Hawthorn defender Sam Frost will kick-start his comeback from the foot issue that kept him out of the club’s heartbreaking semi-final loss to Port Adelaide in Monday’s match simulation clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

He ticked off his preparations in a training session with the Hawks on Saturday morning yet will only play managed minutes against the Cats as he is eased back in.

But important wingman Massimo D’Ambrosio won’t play after entering concussion protocols this week.

D’Ambrosio, who was stiff not to make the All-Australian side after a brilliant first season with the Hawks last year, copped a minor knock a week ago.

Massimo D'Ambrosio won’t face the Cats. Picture: David Crosling

He had delayed symptoms and sat out most of Saturday’s session, running laps instead as he aimed to get back for the last practice match against the Western Bulldogs in Launceston on Fenruary 27.

The Hawks take on Sydney at the SCG in Opening Round on March 7.

Frost, 31, suffered a bone stress injury in the Hawks’ statement-making elimination final win over the Western Bulldogs, and missed the semi-final a week later.

Sam Frost will ease back into match minutes. Picture: Getty Images

He was courted by Sydney as a potential trade option following the season, given the Hawks brought in key defenders Tom Barrass and Josh Battle from rival clubs.

But Frost opted to stick with the Hawks after a reassuring chat with coach Sam Mitchell, who described the defender last year as “one of my favourites”.

He was matched up on Mabior Chol at times during Saturday’s wet and wild session and looked to move freely, having rejoined the full contact sessions a few weeks ago.

Hawthorn will be jam-packed for defenders this season, with Barrass, Battle and James Sicily all set to play in defence, though the skipper could turn swingman at times.

A wedding will sideline Tom Barrass on Monday. Picture: David Crosling

TOM’S HAWKS DEBUT ON HOLD

Hawks fans will have to wait until the Dogs’ practice match before they get to see the full complement of the club’s new-look defence, with Tom Barrass missing the Cats’ game after being married in Perth on Friday.

Coach Sam Mitchell was in Perth for Barrass’ wedding and he also assisted the coaching panel of the Indigenous All-Stars on Saturday night.

All-Stars team members Jarman Impey and Karl Amon will also be absent on Monday due to their participation in the clash with Fremantle.

Mitch Lewis is eyeing a mid-season return from his ACL injury. Picture: Getty Images

MITCH’S BACK

It’s a long way from the Super Bowl in New Orleans to a rain-drenched Waverley Park … Hawks forward Mitch Lewis can attest to that as the heavens opened at the Hawks’ home base on Saturday.

Lewis wasted no time getting back to the club after arriving home from the US on Friday, following a short rehab training mission to Philadelphia with teammate James Blanck and rehabilitation coach Jack Price.

He stayed a fraction longer to take in the Super Bowl action in New Orleans last Monday.

Lewis and Blanck, who are both recovering from knee reconstructions last year, took part in a rehabilitation block with renowned reconditioning guru Bill Knowles, who uses a unique approach to anterior cruciate ruptures.

The pair started running again late in 2024 and are looking at playing returns mid-season.

Blanck tore his ACL last February but had some complications which has slowed his recovery rate, while Lewis suffered his injury in round 17.

Originally published as Track watch: Glenn McFarlane’s notes from Hawthorn training