The four-time premiership defender finished the 2016 season with 240 games to his name, but has added just five in the past two years following serious knee and jaw injuries.

Birchall is expected to begin training with the main group this month, and while a round one return appears unlikely, the former Devonport Magpie hopes to be back not long after. 

“It’s been a really frustrating couple of years, but right now the knee’s feeling great,” the 31-year-old told The Examiner. 

“I had a minor procedure just before Christmas and right now the knee’s as good as it’s been for 18 months.

“I’ve had a really good run for the best part of 10 years, I’ve hardly had any soft tissue injuries, it’s been the contact stuff with my jaw and my PCL that has kept me out of the game for a while.

“I’m confident that I’ll be able to come back in good shape … I’m really confident I can come back at a high level and I’m really eager to help out and contribute on the footy field.”

The Hawks will drop by their second home this week for their annual community camp, which will see them visit schools and hospitals across the state and host a twilight clinic at UTAS Stadium from 4.30pm on Thursday.

A born and bred Tasmanian, Birchall can still recall being on the other end of a similar program less than two decades ago. 

“I remember when I was a young kid and the Saints played a couple of games down in Tassie, and Robert Harvey and a couple of other players I really idolised as a kid came down and spent a bit of time with the kids,” Birchall said.

“I can remember I was really excited and couldn’t wait to get their autographs and have a bit of a chat and whatnot, so I certainly know what it feels like to be a young kid who supports their team and has an idol.

“It’s really exciting and we all understand and appreciate the younger generation.”  

As Birchall nears his return from long-term injury, another key Hawk is just beginning his recovery.

Reigning Brownlow medallist Tom Mitchell went down with a season-ending leg injury last month, leaving a huge hole in a Hawthorn midfield still regenerating after the loss of former stars Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Luke Hodge. 

Gold Coast recruit Jaeger O’Meara will be asked to shoulder the no.1 midfield role in Mitchell’s absence, while rising stars James Worpel and James Cousins will fancy their chances of having extended runs through the middle. 

“It’s not ideal losing arguably your best player in training during the pre-season,” Birchall said.

“Every club has some hard luck stories along the way, but Tommy himself is doing great, he’s walking around and has been at the club and popped his head in a few times.

“We’ll get around him, we’ll help him and we just move on and get on with it.

“It just means there’s a good opportunity for other guys to step up - particularly those in their second, third and fourth years, there’s a midfield spot right there to take.”