GEELONG is a strong chance to regain Tom Hawkins for Saturday's huge clash with Sydney after the star forward missed round five with back spasms, according to teammate Mitch Duncan.  

The 29-year-old was a very late withdrawal from the win over Port Adelaide and will need to prove his fitness at the Cats' main session at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday.  

Speaking on SEN on Thursday morning, Duncan was confident the 2012 All Australian would be available for the home clash against the Swans.  

"By all reports, he's going really well, so fingers crossed he can get through training today and put in a solid performance," Duncan said. 

"We've got the main session today and that will give a good indication of how he's going."  

Another injury concern for the club is Gary Ablett, but Duncan dismissed talk the Cats were a better side without the two-time Brownlow medallist.  

AFL great Wayne Carey said on AFL.com.au's Pick a Winner that the Cats function better without Ablett due to the superstar's lack of defensive pressure and the "cheap possessions" he accumulates.  

Ablett will be sidelined for the next 1-3 weeks after injuring his hamstring in the round three loss to West Coast.  

"His pre-season was remarkable, he pretty much did every session, and a couple of little hiccups lately has cost him a little bit," Duncan said.  

"I disagree with that because when he's in the side we can be better, so it's probably just managing how we play him a bit better to get the best out of him."