Mitch Edwards out for the season, Geelong midfield duo close in on return

Tom Hawkins has revealed he hopes to return to Geelong’s forward line much sooner than expected with his recovery progressing well.

Mitch Edwards has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Picture: Alison Wynd

Geelong star Tom Hawkins is “optimistically” targeting a possible return in the next two weeks.

The 36-year-old has been sidelined since round 16 when he left the MCG on crutches after suffering a foot injury against Carlton.

Since then it was expected he would be available for selection for the last round of the home-and-away season against West Coast.

But the three-time premiership star is hopeful of making his side way back into Chris Scott’s ride for the round 22 trip to Perth.

Although the following week against St Kilda could be more likely.

“Optimistically looking at either Freo or St Kilda,” a jovial Hawkins said on Tuesday night.

“I’m being punished in the cross-training and swimming pool so the sooner I can get out there the better for my wellbeing.

“Recovery has been slow at the start but we’re starting to get some good strides, some really good results just with my loading phases that I’m going through.”

Tom Hawkins targeting earlier than expected return. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360, Hawkins said he was yet to start running but would increase his training loads in coming day.

He is currently “stair walking and running”.

Determined to rejoin the Cats’ bid for a top-four push, Hawkins again brushed aside any retirement talk.

“The foot injury has been a really interesting one,” he said.

“It has given me an opportunity to sit back, take my mind away from just playing football because I hadn’t been playing the best football, neither had the team.

“It was frustrating, I don’t like being injured. I want to get out and compete. I have been consistently publicly and internally talking about just that.

“I’m keen to get back out and be in a place where I love.”

Geelong will travel to Tasmania this weekend to take on North Melbourne.

EARLIER

Geelong’s big man stocks have taken another hit with first-year ruckman Mitch Edwards ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Edwards, who was taken with pick 32 in last year’s national draft, joins fellow young prospect Toby Conway on the sidelines, who was last week ruled out.

The club has approached to take a long-term approach with the West Australian.

“Mitch has had to contend with a couple of back concerns this season, so we’re taking the conservative approach and looking to get his body right for 2025,” Geelong assistant general manager of football Brett Johnson said.

“He’s a young and developing ruck, so we want to make sure we’re prioritising his long-term health and development.”

Meanwhile reinforcements look set to be on the way for Chris Scott’s midfield with Tom Atkins set to be a test for Saturday’s clash against North Melbourne in Hobart after being a late out against the Western Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Tanner Bruhn made a successful return from injury in the VFL with 35 disposals.

“Tom had some soreness in his back and hamstring leading into last Saturday’s game, so we took the conservative approach and withdrew him,” Johnson said.

“We’ll continue to monitor how he goes this week before making a decision at team selection on Thursday.

“Tanner made a great return on the weekend; he played a full game and made a really solid contribution to the VFL team’s performance.”

Another of last year’s draft crop, Oli Wiltshire, is only a week away from returning.

Cam Guthrie and Tom Hawkins are still continuing their rehabilitation programs with both listed as being at least three weeks away.

Originally published as Mitch Edwards out for the season, Geelong midfield duo close in on return