Hawthorn could be bolstered by the return of three premiership players on Thursday night.

Grant Birchall (knee), Luke Hodge (groin) and Luke Breust (illness) are all in line to play against Adelaide, but veteran defender Josh Gibson (groin) is in doubt.

The club's injury list also includes Cyril Rioli (knee), James Frawley (turf toe), and Jaeger O'Meara and Ben Stratton (both knee bone bruising).

The Hawks have used more players (35) this season than any other team, but midfielder Tom Mitchell said the club wasn’t using the injury toll as an excuse.

"We've had a few injuries, but I suppose that goes for a lot of teams around the competition," Mitchell said.

"That's just a part of footy – injuries happen – and everyone on the list has to step up, and the positive thing has been young guys have had the opportunity to play.

"Guys like Blake Hardwick and Kaiden Brand and Dallas and (Willsmore) and James Cousins; it's been great to get some exposure into those guys, what it's like at the top level, and some of those guys have adjusted really well."

Hawthorn's last trip to South Australia only three weeks ago resulted in a club-worst 0.3 first half against Port Adelaide and an eventual 51-point loss.

The Hawks, who have won seven of their last eight games against Adelaide, are yet to lose to the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

"It's always a tough trip going to Adelaide. Both Adelaide teams love playing at home," Mitchell said.

"Last time we played (there), we had a pretty young team and that was great to get some exposure into guys like Dallas Willsmore and James Cousins, who had never experienced playing against a really loud, hostile away crowd.

"We didn't have the greatest game (against the Power) and we admit that, but I think everyone who played that game will be better for the experience."