Geelong list manager Andrew Mackie has provided an injury update on star forward Tom Hawkins.
The Cats veteran recently underwent surgery on a foot injury he carried through the finals.
As a result, the three-time premiership player is expected to be restricted in early 2023, but Mackie says it could be a blessing in disguise for a variety of reasons.
Hawkins’ time off his feet will give him the chance to get other niggles right while his absence on the training track will afford an opportunity to some of the club’s developing forwards.
“He’s still got the (moon)boot going on at the minute,” Mackie said on SEN Mornings.
“He’s really good. He’s looking good, the big fella.
“It’s obviously not ideal having surgery for anyone, but he’s had such a large workload over a number of years.
“With customised training programs, the fact that the can actually take some time off and look after some other bits of his body where rehabbing his foot isn’t the worst thing.
“Hopefully the foot does its thing and heals ok which my understanding is it seems to be ok.
“That’s good for him and it gives a good chance to a guy like Shannon Neale or Esava Ratugolea to be able to have a bit of presence at training and a bit of a different look for us.”
Hawkins returned to training this week but remains on light duties.
He kicked three goals in Geelong’s thumping Grand Final win over Sydney in September.
The 34-year-old has been a model of consistency over his 327-game AFL career, playing 18 or more matches in 14 of his 16 seasons to date.