Tom Hawkins’ return to type ought to function a stark warning for West Coast’s undermanned defence as Geelong coach Chris Scott expects the ability ahead’s upward trajectory to proceed.
Hawkins underwent low season foot surgical procedure and endured a gradual begin to 2023, kicking simply three targets because the Cats misplaced the opening three video games of their premiership defence.
But the 34-year-old flag star discovered the next gear within the round-four thrashing of Hawthorn, kicking two targets from 15 disposals.
He completed with 9 rating involvements and took a game-high three contested marks in a robust efficiency that was overshadowed by attacking associate Jeremy Cameron’s sensible six-goal show.
Geelong made a aware choice to construct Hawkins’ type and health at AFL stage regardless of his interrupted preparation.
Scott believes the 11-times membership main goal-kicker is now trending again in the direction of his finest forward of a conflict with the injury-hit Eagles at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
“We were confident he would get better,” Scott informed reporters on Saturday.
“We did get some injuries on the eve of the season, too, that meant the next best option was not as good as Hawk, albeit with him underdone.
“The sample was fairly simple to foretell and that appears to be the way in which it is enjoying out, so hopefully he simply will get higher and higher the following couple of weeks.”
In a horror start, Geelong became the first team in 47 years to start their premiership defence 0-3.
But Scott is hopeful the 82-point demolition of Hawthorn on Easter Monday, in which the Cats kicked 15 goals to one after halftime, can serve as a springboard into the campaign.
“There have been definitely much more positives within the second half that seemed a little bit bit extra like us,” Scott stated.
“But I’ve acquired to watch out speaking about that as a result of we’re altering and we’ll proceed to alter.
“It’s a real mistake for us to focus too much on what we have been and what our best footy has looked like.
“It’s extra thrilling to consider what it could possibly be into the long run, however we’re eager to journey that momentum.”
Already without injured star Jeremy McGovern in defence, West Coast have lost Tom Cole (ankle) for Sunday’s clash and left out former captain Shannon Hurn (managed).
Fellow back-man Harry Edwards was withdrawn from the extended squad on Saturday after sustaining a fractured wrist at training.
The Eagles (1-4) have greater than one-quarter of their listing unavailable due to damage and are at lengthy odds to upset Geelong.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
