Hawkins set for injury return

By James Matthey

In what is shaping as an epic battle between the teams occupying second and third spot on the ladder, Geelong have been buoyed by the news that key forward Tom Hawkins will be a likely starter after recovering from injury.

The Riverina product missed last week’s win over West Coast in Perth after suffering a recurrence of a niggling back injury that was preventing him from moving freely.

However, Cats coach Chris Scott said that things were looking positive for the 25-year old after he completed a training session yesterday without any discomfort.

“The early indications are really positive but as we’ve said a number of times we won’t take a short-term approach with Tom,” said Scott.

“Obviously, towards the end of the season where the timeframe is getting shorter him playing this week isn’t as important as where he is in three or four weeks’ time.

“At this early stage our medical staff and conditioning staff are confident that he’s in good shape and he’s likely to play but it’s not a decision that we’ll make until later in the week.”

The 2012 All-Australian full-forward will be a welcome addition to a Geelong outfit aiming to topple the reigning premiers and cement their place in the top-two.

Geelong will take on the Swans at Simmonds Stadium at 4:40pm on Saturday August 24.