Harris played a starring role in the Hawk game three semi-final victory over Adelaide last week before flying home to be with family. Beveridge was hopeful Harris will return in time for Wednesday’s crucial clash in Wollongong but said he certainly won’t be demanding it.

“It’s obviously quite public that he’s back home with his family where he should be,” Beveridge said.

“[Harris] owes no apologies to anyone about that. His family’s more important that a championship. Some people might not like hearing that but I have the expectation from everyone that ‘hey, we're stepping up for Vell’. 

Harris’s ability to get to the basket was sorely missed against the Cats, with the Hawks relying heavily on the perimeter shooting game.

“We’re hoping he’ll be back Tuesday and we’ll have our full team for game two,” Beveridge said.

“There’s no doubt he can help because he gets to the basket. He’s one of the best guys at getting to the rim and physically he can match up well against the [Casey] Prather’s.”