Hawthorn recruit Ben McEvoy has been granted a reprieve from the VFL, but Bradley Hill has not come up from a knee injury and won't take on the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

McEvoy has forced his way back after three games for Box Hill, with David Hale feeling Alastair Clarkson's wrath for a below-par effort in last Friday's 20-point loss to North Melbourne.

Hale only managed four disposals and one mark against the Roos, opening the door for McEvoy to play his first AFL game since round 10 against Port Adelaide.

"'Haley's' not going to front this week," Clarkson told reporters at Melbourne Airport on Thursday.

"(McEvoy) hasn't played since the last time we came to Adelaide which was six or seven weeks ago so he'll get a chance and hopefully he performs well.

"He had two or three games out with an injury for a start and (Jonathon) Ceglar and Hale were playing well enough that he couldn't force his way straight back into the side and he needed to get some match fitness as well."

Speedy wingman Hill was a late withdrawal from the loss to the Kangaroos with knee soreness and has failed in his bid to take on the Crows.

"'Hilly's' not quite right, so he's nearly there but we've got a bye next week," Clarkson said.

"Sometimes those knee concerns they just need a little bit of rest. We're fortunate we've got a bye next week so he can get himself right and if all goes well he'll be available for the Sydney game after the break."

Luckless midfielder Alex Woodward was on the plane to Adelaide and could finally make his debut after two knee reconstructions.