HAWTHORN'S ruck stocks are set to receive a boost with David Hale and Brent Renouf both a chance to be passed fit this week.

Hale was initially expected to be out for four to six games after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during the Hawks' round eight win over St Kilda.

But Hawthorn football operations general manager Mark Evans said the former Kangaroo could now return this weekend, meaning he'll have missed only two matches.

"He's progressed quicker than expected, and if he gets through everything this week then I think he would be cleared to play," Evans told hawthornfc.com.au on Tuesday.

Evans said Hale's fellow big man Renouf is also expected to play having recovered from a hamstring strain suffered in the round seven win over Port Adelaide.

The return to fitness of the two ruckmen creates a selection dilemma for the Hawks, who have been well served in the duo's absence by Max Bailey and versatile forward Jarryd Roughead.

Evans said Hale could ease back into football via the Box Hill Hawks.

"It's a selection question rather than an injury question, but my gut feel would be [he'll resume] in the VFL," Evans said.

Speedy mature-age draftee Isaac Smith, who impressed in his first two games at AFL level, is also expected to be available for selection, having missed the past fortnight with soreness.

As reported on hawthornfc.com.au earlier on Tuesday, Chance Bateman will be sidelined for four to six weeks with a high grade ankle sprain, sustained during the Hawks' win over the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

The news is better for captain Luke Hodge, with Evans saying the star midfielder is gradually getting over the nagging Achilles injury he's carried all season.

"It still requires management and it still will for a period of time, but he's certainly getting far greater volume and intensity in training and matches," Evans said.

"So much so that by the end of the game last weekend he even cramped, so that suggests that he was starting to do a whole lot more work."

Hodge had 33 disposals and kicked two goals in a best-on-ground display against the Bulldogs.

Mark Macgugan writes for hawthornfc.com.au and covers Hawthorn news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mmacgugan.