Geelong duo Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie to return in VFL as flag stars vie for spots in preliminary final team

The Cats flagged that Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie were tipped to play VFL this week, but have they been picked? See the full team — including several flag striving for an AFL finals berth.

Geelong premiership champions Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie have been named to play in the VFL on Saturday morning as they vie for selection in the Cats’ preliminary final side.

Cats coach Chris Scott flagged on Monday that the pair were expected to return from injury against Southport at GMHBA Stadium and they have been picked after getting through training last night.

Defender-ruckman Sam De Koning, who travelled to Adelaide Oval as an emergency for the Cats’ triumphant win over Port Adelaide, and forward Gary Rohan have also been named along with fringe players Mitch Knevitt, Ted Clohesy and Jhye Clark. Irishman Mark O’Connor, who fell out of the side late in the year, won’t play due to injury.

The semi-final clash will be the retiring Hawkins’ first VFL game since 2011 with a big turnout expected from the Cats faithful.

Tom Hawkins has been picked in the VFL. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

It could be the final chance for them to see the Geelong games record holder action if the Cats lose their VFL semi-final and he doesn’t return to the AFL side.

Hawkins, 36, has been sidelined since round 15 with a foot injury while the 32-year-old Guthrie hasn’t featured with a troublesome achilles blow since round 10.

Geelong legend Joel Selwood said on the Channel 7 coverage last night that Guthrie’s return had also been delayed by Covid, the latest setback in a luckless two seasons where he has managed just 10 senior games.

Scott said earlier in the week that their injury lay-offs will be taken into account when assessing their performances, but that the Cats can’t be coaxed by what they have achieved in the past.

Hawkins in particular faces an uphill battle to make a fairytale AFL return after Neale’s impressive performance in their win over Port Adelaide.

The 203cm key forward’s hands overhead where strong, clunking nine marks — three of those contested — and kicking 2.2.

Neale said that the looming Hawkins doesn’t concern him.

“If he comes in and I slide out, at the end of the day we’re here to win premierships. He’s retiring so I know my opportunity is going to be there down the line,” Neale said on the ABC.

Geelong midfielder Tanner Bruhn wouldn’t weigh into the Neale-Hawkins debate but described Neale’s performance as “awesome”.

“It is going to be different, there will be a bit of a reception for him tomorrow but will be great to have him back regardless,” Bruhn said.

“I think either way it goes we have got a great mindset, it is just that next man up mentality. I thought Scratch was awesome last night and looking forward to seeing how ‘Hawkie’ goes tomorrow.”

Five-time All-Australian Tom Stewart’s impending return from a hamstring injury coupled with Geelong’s strong on-ball display against the Power means Guthrie’s influence in the midfield isn’t as needed as it once was.

De Koning appears a certain inclusion for their AFL preliminary final with Scott saying on Thursday night that the Cats took a cautious approach given he had returned from a knee injury in the VFL five days prior.

The match kicks off at 11:35am, with fans are encouraged to pre-purchase tickets before the game..

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Originally published as Geelong duo Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie to return in VFL as flag stars vie for spots in preliminary final team