Hawks Star Mitch Lewis to Return from ACL Injury

Hawthorn key forward Mitch Lewis is set to play his first AFL game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last July.

The 26-year-old has been picked for Hawthorn's trip to Launceston to take on Port Adelaide this weekend. It will be his first game in 378 days.

Lewis returned in the VFL against North Melbourne at the end of last month and has gradually built up to a full game across the past three weeks.

After kicking two goals against the Kangaroos and three more against Sandringham a week later, Lewis booted five goals – all from set shots – in Box Hill's win over Essendon last weekend to demand a spot back in Sam Mitchell's side.

Lewis managed only four appearances in 2024 due to a kneecap issue before the ACL tear in his first senior game in three months.

Lewis returns to a side stacked full of forward options, with veteran Jack Gunston and Mabior Chol exceeding expectations so far in 2025 having kicked 39 and 32 goals respectively. Chol didn't train with the main group on Thursday and isn't expected to make the trip south.