Shiels said playing the Swans at the MCG on Friday night would be a good test of how Hawthorn was positioned within the competition.

Rioli travelled to the Northern Territory to be with an ill family member last week and did not appear in Hawthorn's win over Fremantle on Saturday.

Shiels said the fan favourite was not yet back at the club, but he was expected to be ready for the Friday night clash.

Team captain Luke Hodge was still three to four weeks weeks away from returning to football as he recovered from a torn ligament in his knee.

But Shiels said Hodge was making good progress, running and cycling.

"He's a quick healer, Hodgey, but I think this one he's got to give a little bit of time," he said.

Despite a healthy six wins and two losses for the season, Shiels said Hawthorn had not been performing to the best of their ability.

The Swans were likely to be fired up by their one-point loss to Richmond at the weekend and would pose a challenge to the reigning premiers, he said.

Shields said Sydney forward Lance "Buddy" Franklin was in career best form and midfielders including Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Kieren Jack were all playing well.

He had playing a heavily tackling role, but did not yet know which Swans player he would line up against.