GEELONG is still unsure whether star forward Tom Hawkins will take his place in the team against North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium on Sunday, after the death of his mother Jennifer last weekend.
 
Hawkins was a late withdrawal for the game against Gold Coast last Sunday as he spent time with his family.
 
Cats coach Chris Scott said a final decision on Hawkins' availability would be made closer to game time.
 
"He certainly hasn't been ruled out," Scott said on Thursday.
 
"The rules state we need to pick a squad of 25 tonight before the Sunday game and he'll be in that.
 
"But I'm not in a position to guarantee anything at this stage."
 
Hawkins spent the week with family in his hometown of Finley and did some training by himself.
 
Scott said Hawkins would only play if he was physically and mentally able.
 
"He's trained but not with the group. He's had commitments that we have respected and supported over the last few days," Scott said.
 
"The only thing that we need to be clear with Tom about is that he understands that it is completely his decision and he doesn't owe us anything in terms of playing this weekend.
 
"If Tom decides to play he'll have our full support. But if there's any doubt there we'll push him to take another week."
 
A decision on defender Tom Lonergan's fitness will also be made later in the week.
 
Lonergan was carried from the field on a stretcher in the third term of Sunday's game against the Suns after copping a knee to the back of the head from Gold Coast forward Sam Day in a marking contest.
 
Scott said he was uncertain about Lonergan's availability, but the key defender said his week had been deliberately revised.
 
"I'm slowly coming good," Lonergan told K Rock on Thursday morning.
 
"The first couple of days, Monday (and) Tuesday, were very slow. (I) didn’t do much at all.
 
"Yesterday (Wednesday) was probably the same as well.
 
"It's been a quiet few days and I'll hopefully start to do a little bit of exercise today and see how I go."
 
Young defender Jake Kolodjashnij is a chance to make his debut for the Cats on Sunday after strong showings in the VFL, and will be named in Geelong's 25-man squad on Thursday night.
 
Midfielder Mathew Stokes (ankle) is unlikely to play on Sunday, although Scott did not rule him out, while veteran Jared Rivers, who played in the VFL on Friday night, is a chance to return against the Roos.