Ginnivan likely to play as Wharfie Time awaits Hawks

Jack Ginnivan is expected to return for the AFL qualifying final against Fremantle as the Hawthorn livewire manages back soreness.

Ginnivan has been managed for several weeks and did not play a fortnight ago in their Perth win over West Coast.

But ahead of Tuesday training, coach Sam Mitchell was confident he would return against the Dockers at Optus Stadium this Thursday.

“(The week off was) really beneficial, we’ll see how he goes at training - I suspect he will be available,” Mitchell said.

“He’s a pro, he really goes about it in a very professional way these days and I’m sure he will be fine.”

Conor Nash is out for the rest of the season because of a neck injury, otherwise the Hawks will take a healthy list into September.

“We have a pretty fit playing list, so 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,” Mitchell said.

A big part of Fremantle’s minor premiership was being unbeaten at home, and the Hawks will start underdogs.

The Dockers used their Wharfie Time rally to fire up the crowd in round nine, when they roared back in the last quarter to beat the Hawks.

But an away final holds no fears for Hawthorn, having won two last season.

“I’m glad we’re playing there. If you’re going to play your first final in Perth, it’s good we’ve been there a couple of times this year and we’ve experienced a game against Freo,” Mitchell said.

“We’re about as well-prepared as you can be to play in what’s going to be a pretty hostile environment, against what’s been the best team in the competition.”

Meanwhile, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is urging his players to stay in the moment as they gear up for the qualifying final.

The Dockers are yet to win a flag in their 32-year history, but they have an excellent chance to end that drought this month after securing the minor premiership and two home finals.