Hawthorn are hopeful of slotting injured stars Cyril Rioli and Shaun Burgoyne into their imposing midfield before the start of the AFL season.

Hawks captain Sam Mitchell said the club was working hard to try and ensure the duo would be able to play a role during the pre-season competition.

Star recruit Burgoyne is recovering from knee surgery while Rioli has a groin problem.

"Shaun has had a long surgery and a long rehab and he's done everything and is on track," Mitchell said on Tuesday.

"Our aim has always been to get him up and going for round one, so whether he plays a half or a quarter or full game or two full games before round one, we're not sure.

"If everything goes to plan he should be out there in round one. What sort of role and what sort of nick he's in, it's probably too early to tell.

"He just has to continue to go through his program.

"With Cyril he's just popped up a couple of weeks ago so we're still waiting to see.

"If all goes well he should be thereabouts for the first game."

Mitchell said he was unsure of the exact nature of Rioli's injury, but did not think it was the troublesome osteitis pubis complaint.

"I don't think it's OP, I think the line between OP and other injuries is pretty grey," Mitchell said.

"He's got some groin soreness and groin tightness and it didn't settle down straight away.

"Normally when you pick it up it just goes away within one or two days and his just stayed a little bit longer. I think we're being pretty cautious with Cyril.

"I think if we had to play a grand final tomorrow he could play but there's not a lot of benefit having him running around in the NAB Cup and really pushing himself when we've got 26 weeks to go in the season."

Star forward Lance Franklin suffered a corked buttock in the side's big win over Richmond at the weekend but Mitchell said he should return within the next fortnight.

"He trained today and kicked it around alright so he'll be fine," he said.

"Obviously there's always some sort of trouble - a few guys with a few little knocks and bruises.

"We've got another 10 or 12 days until we have to play again so I think he'll be fine by then.

"If he doesn't play I don't think it will because of the corky, it will be for other reasons - for whatever his best preparation is and that's the same with a few other guys too."

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