GEELONG spearhead Tom Hawkins sent a scare through the Cats' camp on Wednesday after leaving training early with an ankle injury.

Hawkins failed to take any further part in the club's final session of the year after he was tangled in a marking contest with key defender Mark Blicavs.

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Calling for the trainers instantly, Hawkins hobbled to the golf cart to be taken from the field and was later diagnosed with a lateral ankle sprain.

Speaking after the session, Blicavs hoped Hawkins would be fine to return after the club's three-week Christmas break.

"I just said get over it mate, enjoy your Christmas break," Blicavs said with a laugh.

"He just stood on my foot in those one-on-one contests, it's just a roll but he'll be fine.

"When he first hit the deck I wasn't sure, you're always worried to make sure your teammate's OK but he said it was just an ankle, so I'll leave him with the physios."

"I like the challenge of taking on Hawk, he's got some really quick feet for how big he is, he actually moves really well.

"You've got to do everything you can to stop him, which is why I let him stand on my foot."

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Power forward Esava Ratugolea lasted only 15 minutes before he was pulled for massage treatment on his legs for close to half an hour.

Blicavs noted the physicality in the session at Deakin University, which was completed after a tough running block back at GMHBA Stadium earlier in the morning.

While many rival clubs complete a 2km time trial, the Cats do a 15-minute run for distance, which was won by Blicavs ahead of second-year small forward Gryan Miers.

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"You run as far as you can for 15 minutes and everyone's got different tactics," Blicavs said.

"Gryan went out really hard, a few boys went easy and finished hard. The fitness staff instruct you that this is a 10/10 work session so you want to leave nothing in the tank."

Key defenders Harry Taylor and Lachie Henderson were unsighted at Deakin University, while Sam Menegola watched on, still working back from a post-season knee cleanout that has seen him miss some sessions.