Geelong’s Sam De Koning is a chance to play against Fremantle on Saturday, with the key defender a test for the trip to Perth.
There were concerns for De Koning after he went down clutching his knee during the Cats’ win over Adelaide in Round 20.
The 23-year-old was subbed out of the match, but the Geelong medical team quickly cleared De Koning of a serious knee injury.
“We will continue to monitor his progress throughout the week and readiness to play ahead of the game against Fremantle,” assistant footy boss Brett Johnson said.
Fresh off announcing his retirement at the end of the season, forward Tom Hawkins looks unlikely to come back in for his first match since Round 15.
Hawkins was initially optimistic about returning for this weekend’s clash from a foot injury that has sidelined him since the Round 15 loss to Carlton.
The 36-year-old said today (Tuesday) he’s doing everything he can to get his body right to have one last crack at a flag.
“I’m really optimistic that I can come back and have an impact,” Hawkins said.
“I’ve got a bit of a plan that I need to keep working through with certain people in the footy club.
“For the whole process and the specific injury itself, I haven’t tried to look too far ahead.
“There’s always that little bit of unknown when you’re trying to reload your feet as a key position, heavy player.
“But I’m quietly confident with what’s ahead.”
Veteran Gary Rohan could return for the vital clash against the Dockers after he missed last weekend with a concussion.
However, out-of-favour defender Mark O’Connor will miss at least a week with a knee issue.
“Mark has a minor knee injury that needs to settle, which will require him to be sidelined for the next couple of weeks,” Johnson said.
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