Hard-nosed midfielder Tom Atkins must prove he’s overcome a back issue later this week if he’s to be part of the Geelong team for Saturday’s clash with North Melbourne at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena.
Atkins was a late withdrawal from the loss to the Western Bulldogs after failing a fitness test on the afternoon of the game.
“Tom had some soreness in his back and hamstring leading into last Saturday’s game, so we took the conservative approach and withdrew him,” assistant football boss Brett Johnson said.
“We’ll continue to monitor how he goes this week before making a decision at team selection on Thursday.”
Fellow midfielder Tanner Bruhn should be on the plane across Bass Strait after successfully returning from a fractured scaphoid in the VFL.
He tallied 35 possessions, nine clearances, six tackles and a goal in the draw against Footscray.
“Tanner made a great return on the weekend,” Johnson said.
“He played a full game and made a really solid contribution to the VFL team’s performance,” Johnson said.”
Draftee Mitch Edwards has become the second Geelong player to have his season ended prematurely by injury.
The West Australian has been battling an ongoing complaint.
“Mitch has had to contend with a couple of back concerns this season, so we’re taking the conservative approach and looking to get his body right for 2025,” Johnson said.
“He’s a young and developing ruck, so we want to make sure we’re prioritising his long-term health and development.”
CATS: HAWKINS EYES OFF ROUND 23 RETURN
Veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie’s return from an Achilles issue remains at three weeks, with forward Tom Hawkins at 3-4 weeks from a foot issue.
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GEELONG INJURY LIST
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
| Tom Atkins | Back | Test |
| Oli Wiltshire | Pelvis | 1 week |
| Cameron Guthrie | Achilles | 3 weeks |
| Tom Hawkins | Foot | 3-4 weeks |
| Mitch Edwards | Back | Season |
| Toby Conway | Foot | Season |
