The selection status of their champion key forward remains in question.
Tom Stewart looks set to return fully fit to Geelong’s lineup next weekend, having played essentially half a match in the four weeks leading into the preliminary final.
There did not look to be any hamstring concerns of note during the Cats’ session on Wednesday, with Stewart completing a hard running block seemingly unhindered.
Premiership teammate Cam Guthrie underwent the same session also with no issues, raising some selection headaches for Chris Scott and his in-form Cats.
Tom Hawkins’ selection status remains unknown; the 36-year-old avoided high-intensity training in the Wednesday session.
Tom Stewart completed high speed running (with Cam Guthrie in first vid) with no issues at Cats training this morning. Tom Hawkins didn’t complete that block and instead did some set shots and leads after jogging laps earlier in the session. @geelongaddy @superfooty pic.twitter.com/UoX2v6jvkK
— Dan Batten (@danbatten_) September 11, 2024
Geelong coach Chris Scott will have much to weigh up with another week off; including whether his forward line up is better off without a healthy Hawkins.
There is certainly an argument that they are more dynamic with a younger tall crop and heavier reliance on their smalls Tyson Stengle, Brad Close, Gryan Miers and newfound gem Shaun Mannagh.
Scott likely won’t be considering the sentimental factor of Hawkins’ 800th AFL goal being just four kicks away, but it would add a riveting aspect to the penultimate week of the season.
Cam Guthrie will likely go through stringent testing to prove his fitness, having not played competitively since mid-May until last Saturday’s VFL loss to Southport.
Patrick Dangerfield, Jack Bowes, Tom Atkins and Max Holmes have held strong without him in the qualifier, dominating the contested possession count against an All-Australian midfield. The 32-year-old would do well to squeeze into this group with the form they’re in.
key youngster Sam De Koning will be another big watch in the leadup to next week with a couple of VFL outings under his belt since hurting his knee.
He trained fully on Wednesday but whether he will be relied on for ruck duties or key back duties remains in question should he prove his fitness next.
