Dickson, who did the running for the Panthers last round, has been named to return against the Hawks after seriously hurting his ankle against Yarrawonga in round eight.

The injury ruled him out of the Ovens and Murray interleague team and, at the time, Lavington coach James Saker feared Dickson’s season was over.

If he can make a successful return from injury, Dickson will provide another weapon for the Panthers in September with his ability to play forward, back and in the ruck.

He will get an opportunity to impress in attack with Justin Koschitzke sitting out the clash with the Hawks at W.J. Findlay Oval.

Veteran Panther Adam Butler will miss the final home and away match of the season with hamstring tightness.

Meanwhile, Albury is confident reliable defender Michael Thompson will be fit for the second semi-final after being sidelined with a quad injury.

Thompson, who has a history of soft tissue injuries, has dropped out of the Tigers’ side to take on Yarrawonga at J.C. Lowe Oval on Saturday.

The Tigers welcomed back a host of big names for the clash with the Pigeons, with Daniel Cross, Aisake O’hAilpin and Joel O’Connell returning.

After stitching up a top-three berth with victory against Lavington last round, Yarrawonga has played it safe with Brad O’Connor (tightness) and Nick Lawless (knee) to sit out the match against the Tigers.

Wangaratta has named an unchanged line-up for its battle with Wodonga.