Geelong tall Sam De Koning to miss another game as Tom Hawkins on track to return in the finals

Tom Hawkins won’t be out there playing in Geelong’s final game of the season, but will be honoured in front of his home fans. Plus, the latest on Sam De Koning and Tanner Bruhn.

Retiring Geelong champion Tom Hawkins remains on track to be fit for the finals as the Cats will honour him in front of his beloved home fans this weekend.

Hawkins is listed as one-week away with his foot injury that has sidelined him since round 15, while dual best-and-fairest winner Cam Guthrie’s return from an achilles injury is to be concluded.

It comes as Hawkins will be farewelled at GMHBA Stadium with the Cats unlikely to play again at the venue during the finals.

Geelong tall Sam De Koning will miss another week with a knee injury.

De Koning underwent minor surgery last week following his blow against Adelaide in round 21 but won’t be risked for the their final round clash against West Coast, which the Cats need to win to sew up a top-four spot.

Midfielder Tanner Bruhn is a test to face the Eagles after missing the loss to St Kilda with concussion and Cats assistant football boss Brett Johnson said his availability will be determined later in the week.

“Sam will need another week to rehab his knee following his minor procedure last week. He will join the main group next week and will be available for selection the week after,” Johnson said.

Sam De Koning will miss this week. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Defender Zach Guthrie believes his brother and Hawkins can still play a role for the Cats in the finals and lauded Hawkins’ impact on and off the field.

“(Cam’s) been relatively optimistic throughout to be honest. It’s been a bit of a rough run for him over the last couple of years but I’m still optimistic that he has a part to play for us, whatever capacity that is for the remainder of the year.

“Himself and Hawk as well, so looking forward to seeing how that pans out.

“It is obviously challenging for anyone who goes through those times in rehab, but all you can do is put your arm around them and the way he’s gone about it has been really good.

“(Hawkins) has been an absolute champion, I am so optimistic that he still has a part to play for us but looking forward to this weekend for our last home-and-away game to have a little tribute to him and it’s well deserved for someone who has been able to do what he’s done.”

Hawkins face masks will be available to fans outside the ground on Saturday.

Originally published as Geelong tall Sam De Koning to miss another game as Tom Hawkins on track to return in the finals