Jack Ginnivan set to return from injury for Hawks’ Perth showdown

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell says the week off is proving “really beneficial” in managing Jack Ginnivan’s sore back.

Ginnivan did not play against the West Coast Eagles in Perth in Round 24 having previously been rested through some of the Hawks’ comfortable wins.

The Hawks had the week off after finishing fourth and will travel to Perth sporadically across Tuesday and Wednesday to face minor premier Fremantle.

Mitchell expects the playmaker to be fit to take on the Dockers in front of a hostile crowd on Thursday night.

“We’ll see how he goes at training today but we suspect he’ll be available,” Mitchell said.

“From an injury point of view, obviously Nashy (Conor Nash, neck) is the major one we’ve lost for the season but pretty fit playing list.

“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.

“A lot of guys are carrying different injuries through the season and Ginni has done a good job of making sure he’s getting out there every week.

“He’s a pro. Like he really goes about it in a really professional way these days and I am sure he will be fine today and 6.20 tomorrow night I think.”

Fremantle is 12-0 at Perth Stadium this season, including a come-from-behind win in Round 9 over Hawthorn.

The Luke Jackson-led Dockers kicked five goals to one in the final quarter of that match to overrun the Hawks.

Mitchell has a different view on Hawthorn’s three trips to Perth, including two in as many weeks, citing venue experience and dismissing the travel factor.

“I don’t think it’s a concern, (Fremantle) have done it all year, every second (week) travel to Perth … they finished on top so I don’t think that’s an issue,” he said.

“Most of us will go today, (and) a couple of guys will go tomorrow, giving us a bit of flexibility with how we do it.