Promising key defender Cale Hooker is set to return to the senior side for Friday night's blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG.
The 196cm Western Australian suffered a hamstring strain in Round 8 and has missed the past four rounds.
""We expect him to play, Knights said today.
""He actually did all the training last week but we were just going to be a little bit too short (to play him last week).
""So having Franklin and Roughead being a nemesis in the forward line for any back line I think Cale is pretty important this week, as well as Dustin and Tayte.
""It's going to be great to have Cale back, he was probably our form backman with Dustin before he went out of the team.""
Knights said Friday night would be a massive game for the club heading into the split round weekend.
He said, unlike the last time the teams played, Hawthorn now have their best five-seven players back in form.
""It's a huge game there is no question about that,"" he said.
""We got Hawthorn's number earlier in the year but their last four to five weeks have been much more decisive, much more like the Hawthorn of old. They come with good form.
""I thought we have been in good form but the other night we dropped away.
""We just have to reinvigorate for Friday night, we are looking forward to a big game in front of a big crowd.""
