Geelong premiership defender Tom Stewart has remained tight-lipped on the way forward for three-time premiership teammate Tom Hawkins, after the Cats’ finals hopes got here to an finish on Saturday.
The Cats have determined to relaxation Hawkins forward of their remaining recreation in opposition to the Western Bulldogs, with questions raised over attainable retirement.
However Stewart was adamant that the 346-game veteran and five-time All-Australian has earned the appropriate to make a name on his personal, with the defender throwing his help behind no matter alternative is made.
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“He is acquired a choice to make, however I believe he is earned that proper to make that together with his household and what their choice is transferring ahead,” Stewart informed media on Tuesday.
The information comes after Geelong determined to relaxation premiership ahead Jeremy Cameron on Saturday, sending him for shoulder surgical procedure in hopes of a fast restoration to finish a full pre-season.
Stewart nevertheless sees the lack of their two key forwards as a possibility for youthful gamers to have a run earlier than the top of the season, together with massive man Toby Conway, who dominated within the VFL on Saturday.
“It is a possibility for others to step in. We have had a number of development from people we could not have needed to, so it is one other probability to place their finest foot ahead and to drag on the hoops, which is a large privilege in itself,” Stewart stated.
The Cats’ spherical 24 conflict in opposition to the Canines shall be Stewart’s solely recreation to date in his profession the place there isn’t a method the Cats can win the flag.
“I’ve really performed finals each single 12 months, so it is undoubtedly new to me, personally,” he stated.
“I perceive how fortunate I’m to have the ability to play for Geelong each week, so my motivation does not wane.”
The Cats face the determined Bulldogs, who should beat Geelong to maintain their slim finals hopes alive. The Canines should additionally hope the Giants lose to Carlton with the intention to bounce into eighth on the ladder.
The Bulldogs shall be with out Jack Macrae (delayed concussion signs) and Taylor Duryea, who had his one-match suspension upheld for a bump on Eagle Jamie Cripps.
