Geelong legend calls on club to back in Tom Hawkins for preliminary final despite 10-week absence

Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel has called on Cats coach Chris Scott to consider picking veteran forward Tom Hawkins for their preliminary final clash against Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.

Hawkins is finally injury free after suffering a foot setback in round 15 against Carlton, but has only played one game at VFL level to prove his fitness.

Despite his limited game time, former teammate Bartel wants to see the three-time premiership forward selected to face the Lions, in what would be his first AFL-level match since June.

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It would also keep the fairytale alive for Hawkins, who announced that the 2024 season would be his last.

"I'd back in Tom Hawkins," Bartel said on Tuesday.

"He's got the experience in big finals. He's a big brute of an individual, he'll draw a good defender from the line. I'd take Tom Hawkins, if I had to pick."

The 36-year-old still looks to be behind young forward Shannon Neale, who has kept his spot in the side and contributed in Hawkins' absence.

And don't write off the Lions.

"I think sides have been able to stretch them in the midfield from stoppage. That's going to be really important for Brisbane, they've got a great ruckman, and a guy in great form in Lachie Neale ... (Josh) Dunkley, (Will) Ashcroft was magnificent," Bartel said.

"They've got the midfield to match the Cats."

Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins knows all too well what Brisbane's middle men are capable of.

"It's been a good couple of weeks as a midfield group. We've really found roles and role clarity," Atkins said.

"We know what to expect from each other and we can depend on each other."

Geelong and Brisbane face off for a spot in the grand final at the MCG on Saturday evening.