Geelong Cats: Tom Hawkins, Mark Blicavs hamstring injury update
Geelong has confirmed the extent of Cats star duo Tom Hawkins and Mark Blicavs’ hamstring injuries, as well as provide an update on a gun midfielder who should make his return to the field soon.
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Geelong will be without star Mark Blicavs for the rest of the home-and-away season, and may only return to playing in 2023 if the Cats make a deep run in finals.
The All Australian utility came off GMHBA Stadium clutching at his hamstring during Saturday’s loss to Fremantle, with scans confirming a high grade hamstring strain for the 32 year old.
Footy boss Simon Lloyd said positive performances in the VFL team’s huge win at the weekend would provide some comfort ahead of the must-win clash against Port Adelaide.
“Mark suffered a high hamstring strain,” he said on Tuesday.
“It’s obviously unfortunate but we’ll give progress reports over the coming weeks as they work through their rehab.
“We saw some great performances (against the Northern Bullants), and a lot of those guys will be in contention for games this weekend against Port Adelaide.”
Blicavs has played every game this season, averaging 15.8 possessions, 3.4 marks, 4.6 tackles, 10.6 hit outs, 4.3 clearances and 0.6 goals per game in 2023.
Meanwhile, veteran forward Tom Hawkins will also not play in the crunch match against Port Adelaide, with the superstar also injuring his hamstring.
Hawkins has not missed a game of football since missing the 2019 preliminary final against Richmond through suspension, and has not missed through injury since round 8, 2018.
The 35 year old was reportedly close to playing against the Power, and will train this week, but the club is opting not to risk the veteran.
Lloyd said Hawkins would be participating in training on Friday.
“Tom suffered a minor hamstring strain,” Lloyd said.
“Both have gone into their rehabilitation program immediately and we expect Tom to be running by the back end of this week.”
Esava Ratugolea and Shannon Neale appear to be in the box seat to replace Tom Hawkins, while Brandan Parfitt looks likely to return in Blicavs’ absence after collecting 40 disposals in the VFL.
Veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie is building his conditioning work on the track, with Lloyd confirming the star on-baller will not return to the field this weekend.
“We’re happy with his progress, and he’s tracking really well,” he said.
“What we’re seeing now on the track is speed and acceleration, he’s working through all those steps, he’s still going through his reconditioning.
“We’d love to have him out there this week, but in the not-too-distant future.”
Forward Sam Simpson will also have his splint removed from his hand on Friday and rejoin full training loads after suffering a fracture and being restricted in his duties.
Young Cat James Willis had a hernia operation last week and will go straight into running, while prized recruit Jhye Clark will return to group training in the next two weeks.
Originally published as Geelong Cats: Tom Hawkins, Mark Blicavs hamstring injury update
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