New Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge could return through the VFL this week as he tries to prove his fitness for the start of the AFL season.

Hodge has not played during the pre-season as he recovers from an Achilles injury.

But Hawks football manager Mark Evans said the tough midfielder had trained well over the last fortnight.

"He's certainly staking a claim for round one," Evans said.

Hodge took over from Sam Mitchell as Hawks captain over the off-season.

Hodge is among several top players, including Western Bulldogs key defender Brian Lake, who could return through the VFL this weekend, a week out from the start of the regular season.

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