HAWTHORN has decided not to play Luke Hodge in the VFL reserves this week.

It had been floated that Hodge could line up for Box Hill's seconds on Sunday as part of his return from a PCL strain that has kept him on the sidelines since round six.

Both Hawthorn and Box Hill's senior team have a bye this weekend.

But the Hawks have instead opted to rebuild the Norm Smith medallist's fitness via an intensive four-week training block.

The 28-year-old has spent this week at Waverley Park while his teammates have enjoyed three days of mid-season annual leave.

A club spokesperson told hawthornfc.com.au that Hodge could return to the playing field after two or four weeks of the training block, depending on "how he pulls up".

The Hawks face Carlton next Friday night, followed by Greater Western Sydney in round 15.

After their win over the Brisbane Lions on Sunday, coach Alastair Clarkson said Hodge remained in the frame for both upcoming matches.

"He (Hodge) is nearly ready to play now," Clarkson said.

"If he'd only missed one or two games, then he probably would have played today.

"But we need to make sure we get his program right.

"He's now missed a fair slab of footy through a calf injury early and now a PCL, so we've got to make sure he's properly conditioned.

"It's all about getting him to be match fit and match hardened for the last six or eight rounds of the home and away season.

"We'll train him a little bit more over the next week to 10 days and then see what we do in regard to the Carlton game and GWS the week after."

The rest of the Hawks' list is due to return to the club on Friday to begin preparations for the clash with the Blues.