Cale Hooker appears set to play for the Bombers in their blockbuster clash with Hawthorn on Saturday night.

The All-Australian has recovered well following his first competitive match of the pre-season last Friday.

Hooker kicked two early goals and pulled down some strong marks in the VFL practice match against Geelong.

“Cale’s pulled up really nicely,” High Performance Manager Justin Crow said. 

“He played a full game, he’s through his recovery, into main training tomorrow and he’s available for selection.”

The VFL practice match also marked the return of Tom Bellchambers from knee surgery.

Bellchambers came on to the ground after quarter time and moved freely throughout the game.

“Tom covered seven kilometres throughout the match which was a great effort,” Crow said.

“While Cale Hooker has done 95% of our total pre-season volume which is a great effort and has placed him really well, Tom hasn’t quite been able to do that.

“But he’s building up his fitness now and we’re really happy with how he’s placed.”

The Bombers fielded 16 AFL listed players in the match including Josh Green who booted four goals.

All players got through the game unscathed and will be available for the clash with the Hawks on Saturday night, or the second VFL practice match earlier that day.

“There were no issues to come out of the game - everyone who went into it has come out of it really nicely,” Crow said.