Cale Hooker has declared himself ready to play in Essendon's round-one blockbuster against Hawthorn after getting through the Bombers' VFL practice match against Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Friday night.

Hooker missed all of the JLT Community series because of a hamstring tendon injury, and had been in some doubt to face the Hawks next Saturday night at the MCG. But fears about his fitness appear to have been allayed after the key forward kicked two early goals and played out the game. Hooker's likely inclusion is a major boon for the Bombers, who struggled offensively last season in the absence of the former backman and 11 of his banned teammates.

The West Australian said on the club's website he'd be making himself available for round one despite his interrupted pre-season. "I'm feeling really fit, and I think I blew the cobwebs out, so I'm definitely putting my hand up for this week," Hooker said after his side's 29-point win.

"I got a few kicks, so it was nice to touch the footy again. It was good to get the hands on a few early. The boys got it into me and looked after me a bit and I repaid the favour back to a few of them later on."

Hooker said he would prepare normally ahead of the massive clash against the Hawks, which is expected to draw a near-capacity crowd. "We've got the weekend off, so I'll be doing a lot of recovery and just resting up this weekend, and then it'll be a normal week next week, leading into what's going to be a very exciting week for the club."

The Cats also took positives from Friday night's match, with midfielder Cameron Guthrie and livewire Steven Motlop both getting through the game. Guthrie hadn't played for around a month after hurting his calf in the Cats' JLT series loss to Hawthorn in Launceston, but looks set to take on Fremantle next Sunday in Perth after an impressive showing against the VFL Dons. Motlop missed Geelong's final JLT match against Essendon because of illness, but he too is poised to take on the Dockers after providing plenty of run on Friday night.

Essendon big man Tom Bellchambers played as well, but was restricted in his game time as he works back from knee surgery. He looks unlikely to be risked against the Hawks despite fellow ruckman Matthew Leuenberger's hamstring injury last weekend. Shaun McKernan looms as the Dons' probable ruck solution for a week at least.

Former Brisbane Lions forward Josh Green bobbed up with four goals for the Bombers on Friday night having overcome a foot injury. He could be in the mix to play his first senior game for his new club in front of the bumper MCG crowd against the Hawks, who will be without former captain Luke Hodge because of a club imposed suspension. Ben Howlett and Heath Hocking - another two of the Bombers suspended last year by the Court of Arbitration for Sport - both played for the Dons on Friday night, and look like fringe options ahead of round one.

Zach Guthrie - the younger brother of Cameron - also played for the Cats as he capped off an eye-catching first pre-season at the club. The defender will need to be elevated off the rookie list if he is to make his debut.