The Round 20 GMHBA Health Update is in with updates on midfielders Tom Atkins and Tanner Bruhn.

Tom Atkins will be a test to face the Kangaroos this week after he was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs, with the midfielder dealing with a back complaint. 

Geelong Cats Assistant General Manager of Football Brett Johnson said Atkins will be monitored during the week before making a call on whether he makes the trip to Tasmania.

“Tom had some soreness in his back and hamstring leading into last Saturday’s game, so we took the conservative approach and withdrew him,” Johnson said.

“We’ll continue to monitor how he goes this week before making a decision at team selection on Thursday.”

Fellow on-baller Bruhn made a successful return via the VFL on the weekend against Footscray after recovering from a scaphoid fracture, an injury that sidelined him for the previous four games.

Bruhn had a game-high 35 disposals, nine clearances, six tackles and kicked a goal in the draw with Footscray.

“Tanner made a great return on the weekend; he played a full game and made a really solid contribution to the VFL team’s performance,” Johnson said.

Developing ruck Mitch Edwards has unfortunately been ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ongoing back complaint.

“Mitch has had to contend with a couple of back concerns this season, so we’re taking the conservative approach and looking to get his body right for 2025,” Johnson said.

“He’s a young and developing ruck, so we want to make sure we’re prioritising his long-term health and development.”

In other updates, Oli Wiltshire is one week away from returning, while Cameron Guthrie and Tom Hawkins continue to work through their rehabilitation programs.

Geelong takes on North Melbourne this Saturday at Blundstone Arena in Hobart, with first bounce at 1.45pm.

The game will be broadcast on Fox Footy and streamed via Kayo, while you can listen to all the action on K rock Football from 12.00pm.

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Geelong Cats GMHBA Health Update – Round 20