Alastair Clarkson is back at Hawthorn – though not as senior coach.
The two-time premiership coach is using the club’s facilities at Waverley to assist in his rehabilitation from Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Interim coach Brendon Bolton revealed the club was phasing Clarkson back into his duties, having sat in some coaching meetings between work in the pool.
“It’s terrific to see Clarko back around the club,” he said.
“He’s been a terrific mentor to me … we really value his input.”
Bolton echoed the sentiments of the Hawthorn chief executive Stuart Fox, saying the club would continue to put Clarkson’s health first.
“He’ll be guided by his medical team on how much input he does or doesn’t have,” he said.
“He’s progressing slowly, it’s something that does progress slowly.
“Clarko has an active mind around footy so it’s good to be able to give him some stimulation and be involved.”
Clarkson has missed the Hawks’ two wins against Greater Western Sydney and West Coast since his diagnosis.
He’ll miss Friday night’s match against Carlton and two more matches before the club considers whether he is well enough to return to the senior role.