Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins set to return in two weeks as Sam De Koning faces fitness test

Tom Hawkins’ return from injury is drawing closer, while the news is better than first thought for important defender Sam De Koning. See Geelong’s full injury list.

Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins is on track for a final-round return as duo Sam De Koning and Gary Rohan both face fitness tests ahead of the Cats’ crunch clash against Fremantle on Saturday in Perth.

Hawkins, who announced on Tuesday he will retire at the end of this season, is two weeks away with his foot injury which he sustained in round 16.

The timeline means he is poised to return against West Coast at GMHBA Stadium where he would get a big turnout from the Cats faithful, given it will likely be his final game at the venue.

Hawkins said he is “quietly confident” of returning to the field this season.

There were fears for De Koning after he went down off the ball while changing direction in the win over the Crows but Cats coach Chris Scott said on Saturday night that he was subbed off as a precaution.

Rohan missed the win over Adelaide with concussion and hasn’t been cleared to play despite passing the 12-day concussion protocol.

Sam De Koning went down with a knee injury. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

“Sam was unfortunately subbed out with a knee injury on the weekend against the Crows. We will continue to monitor his progress throughout the week and readiness to play ahead of the game against Fremantle,” Geelong assistant football boss Brett Johnson said.

It comes as demoted Cat Mark O’Connor has suffered a minor knee setback that will sideline him for up to a fortnight.

O’Connor hasn't featured at senior level since round 16.

“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.

Originally published as Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins set to return in two weeks as Sam De Koning faces fitness test