Daniel Howe is set to return for his first game of the 2017 season.

Howe has worked his way into the senior side through scintillating VFL form, with his last Box Hill outing seeing the 191cm midfielder finish with 30 disposals, seven tackles, seven marks and five clearances.

The versatile defender, who turned 22 last week, is entering his third season in the AFL system.

After playing four AFL games in his debut season in 2015, Howe played 11 senior games for the Hawks last year, averaging 14.2 disposals and 4.5 tackles.

The Yarrawonga product is highly regarded around the Ricoh Centre for being a big-bodied midfield option, who is willing to work hard.

In recent weeks, Box Hill senior coach Chris Newman has praised Howe for his ability to impact the contest in a variety of areas.

“He’s working really hard for us at the moment,” Newman said, after his side drew with Coburg in the VFL side’s final practice match.

“He’s a player that gets in and under but can also provide a lot of spread for us”.

The Hawks will take on West Coast at 4.40pm on Sunday at the MCG.