TOM Hawkins has been declared fit and will line up alongside off-season acquisitions Tanner Bruhn and Ollie Henry in Geelong’s blockbuster clash with Collingwood at the MCG to open its premiership defence tomorrow (Friday) night.
Confirmation the 34-year-old will take on the Magpies is welcome news, with fellow spearhead Jeremy Cameron no certainty to play with his partner due to give birth to their first child in the next week.
Doubt has surrounded Hawkins’ availability for Round 1 after he underwent a toe reconstruction in the off-season.
However, coach Chris Scott confirmed earlier this (Thursday) afternoon that the 327-game veteran would take on the Magpies.
“He’ll play. That was my hope and not quite expectation, but that was my suspicion probably about a month ago,” Scott said.
“He’s just had a ripping month.
“We don’t expect him, necessarily, to be as good Round 1 as he will be as he evolves.
“But he’s well and truly good enough to play. The last month has given us great confidence.”
Former GWS Giant Bruhn and ex-Magpie Henry have impressed since arriving at GMHBA Stadium.
However, fellow signing Jack Bowes will have to wait until next Thursday’s meeting with Carlton to pull on the Hoops for the first time at the AFL level.
“He’s really had a flawless pre-season right up until the point where he had a little bit of a calf issue,” Scott said.
“We’re confident he could play this week as well, so much so he’ll definitely play next week.”
Mitch Duncan, who spent time in Adelaide last week as he works his way back from a calf issue, is unlikely to be sighted until April.
“Mitch won’t play for the next few games,” Scott said.
“It’s quite conservative. When I start saying it out loud, it reminds me of – (I’m) trying to phrase it differently to the way we talked about Paddy Dangerfield last year, but I’m struggling.
“It’s a bit similar.
“We could bring Mitch in, but it’s a good example of treating players individually based on their specific situations.”
Scott also confirmed that Esava Ratugolea would play a key defensive role, with Jake Kolodjashnij (concussion) and Jack Henry (foot) sidelined.
He also revealed only one genuine ruckman would play, with incumbent Rhys Stanley to get the nod over Jonathon Ceglar.
Twitter: @krockfootball
