AFL injury news: Geelong great Tom Hawkins could still play this season

The extent of Geelong champion Tom Hawkins’ foot injury has been revealed with club staff hopeful he could play another game.

Geelong great Tom Hawkins has been ruled out for at least six weeks with an injury to his mid-foot sustained against Carlton. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

Tom Hawkins is a chance to play again this season but the Geelong champion may only return to the field if his side can overcome its form slump and reach the finals.

Scans have revealed the veteran forward suffered an injury to his mid-foot joint and ligament damage to his left foot during the third quarter of the Cats’ loss to Carlton on Friday night.

Hawkins has been listed as six to eight weeks away from a return, which could allow him to play again in the back end of the home and away season.

Tom Hawkins reappeared on crutches after disappearing down the race with a foot issue during the third quarter of Geelong’s loss to Carlton. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

Geelong football boss Andrew Mackie said Hawkins had already returned to Kardinia Park for “off-foot training” as he began his rehab program.

“(Hawkins) will remain in a boot for the next couple of weeks before progressing based on clinical signs,” Mackie said.

“Tom is in a positive and optimistic mindset and we are confident he will give himself the best chance to have an impact later in the season.”

Carlton midfielder Adam Cerra still needs to prove his fitness ahead of a possible return from his latest hamstring injury against Richmond on Sunday.

The Tigers could regain Jacob Hopper for the MCG clash but will be without best and fairest-winning midfielder Dion Prestia for longer as his frustrating injury woes continue.

Gold Coast star Ben King is set to return from a knee injury against Collingwood on Saturday as the Suns try to keep their finals hopes burning with another win at home. Picture: Michael Willson / Getty Images

Prestia’s return date has again been pushed out to one-to-two weeks.

Brisbane young gun Will Ashcroft will certainly play football this weekend after being cleared to return from the ACL injury he suffered in round 19 last year.

The Lions are yet to decide whether their coveted No. 2 pick will return through the VFL or in Friday night’s crunch match against Melbourne at the Gabba.

Experienced Gold Coast wingman Brandon Ellis will miss the next month with a calf injury but the Suns are set to regain spearhead Ben King for their crucial home clash against Collingwood.

“We expect Ben to complete full training this week and be available for selection on Saturday,” Gold Coast medical boss Lindsay Bull said.

Originally published as AFL injury news: Geelong great Tom Hawkins could still play this season