Injury Update: Big Hawk returns for marquee matchup with Wildcats

Hawks power forward Cam Bairstow has been passed fit and will play against the Perth Wildcats on Friday 26 March at RAC Arena.

Bairstow sat out the most recent Hawks loss to Melbourne United due to a hip complaint - but will return to face the league-leaders in what is sure to be a stern test for a young Hawks side.

Bairstow has been a steady force for the Hawks so far this season - averaging a shade over 11 points and six rebounds in 21 minutes per contest.

Since missing a handful of games early in the season with an ankle injury - the former Australian Boomer has been a very handy contributor for the Hawks in a new found bench role.

Coach Brian Goorjian has opted to start with Sam Froling and captain AJ Ogilvy at the four and five respectively, but has relied on Bairstow to bring a consistent offensive threat and some valuable leadership to a fairly inexperienced second-unit.

"It will be great to have Cam back against a pretty experienced and well-drilled team like Perth. I mean they've got a guy like John Mooney who is a walking double double at the moment so the more big guys we have fit and ready to throw at someone like him the better," Goorjian said.

"Cam has been around the block a number of times so he knows what's required to get himself fit and ready for games after little niggles and we welcome him back with open arms ahead of a pretty packed schedule over the next few weeks," Goorjian said.

The Hawks tackle the Wildcats at 9:30pm ADST on Friday 26 March. The game can be viewed on ESPN, SBS On Demand and Twitch.