Three Cats are expected to return to some level of football this weekend, with Cam Guthrie, Toby Conway and Sam Simpson all set to make their return.

Geelong Cats General Manager of Football Simon Lloyd said it was still to be determined what Guthrie’s return would look like, but there was excitement to see the midfielder back on the field.

“(He’ll return to) some type of football – that’s something to be determined over the next couple of days, and Cam Guthrie is available to play (this weekend),” Lloyd said.

“He’s super excited, and has been running really well, hitting all his metrics, so can’t wait to see the number 29 running around this weekend.

“Toby didn’t play last week – he rolled his ankle at training last Wednesday. The two previous games to that, speaking to (Head of Player Development) Matthew Egan and (VFL Coach) Mark Corrigan, they thought his ruckwork, his footwork and his strength had been outstanding, so it’ll be great to see Toby run around again this weekend.

“Sam Simpson had the pin removed from his hand and has regained almost full strength, and it’s great news: Sam Simpson will play this week.”

A call on star Cats forward Tom Hawkins will be made later this week.

“Tom Hawkins has been running, he’ll full train on Wednesday, and we’ll need to work through his availability for selection later this week,” Lloyd said.

Ruck Rhys Stanley’s availability will also be assessed as the week progresses, while fellow ruck Jonathon Ceglar will strive for a return from a lower back issue.

“Rhys had a groin/adductor injury, and we’ll assess that and see how he travels on Wednesday at main training and make a decision then,” Lloyd said.

“‘Cegs has been battling a lower back issue for a period of time, and he’s tried to work through every avenue to get himself up to play. We’ll see how he travels tomorrow, and hopefully he gets through.”

Dynamic forward Gary Rohan will miss Saturday’s clash with St Kilda after scans revealed a moderate hamstring injury.

“It was very hard to assess live. It was an awkward injury at the time, and our medical team live was saying well, there’s an adductor, a hip and a bit of hamstring that they were trying to work through – hence why we scan these things on a Monday and work through our assessment,” Lloyd said.

“Unfortunately, Gary has a moderate hamstring injury and he’ll miss this weekend and potentially weeks after that.”

Mark Blicavs is still at least a couple of weeks away from returning, but is showing good signs early in his rehabilitation program.

“We’re trying to pull back the reins a bit on Mark at the moment – he’s hitting some high speeds and moving really well, so we’re very happy with how he’s tracking, but obviously he’ll still be a couple of weeks,” Lloyd said.

Young rookie Oscar Murdoch will also be a test to be available for Saturday’s final VFL game against GWS Giants as he works his way back from a calf injury that has seen him miss the past three weeks, but teammates James Willis and Jhye Clark have been ruled out of the clash.

“James Willis obviously had a hernia operation. He’s full running at the moment and he’s progressing well,” Lloyd said.

“Jhye Clark has always been a couple of weeks behind Cam Guthrie in his reconditioning. With it being the last VFL game this week, unfortunately Jhye won’t play again this year.

“But it’s a credit to Jhye, he’s been working with Mark Corrigan on the opposition week-in, week-out, and he’s been building his strength and he’s running really well. So exciting for Jhye what the future holds, but our focus for Jhye Clark at the moment is focusing on getting him right for the beginning of pre-season.”

Cats swingman Jack Henry has had the plaster removed from his foot and has now begun his reconditioning program following a lisfranc injury.

“He’s begun the reconditioning program. So, great to see Jack up and about,” Lloyd said.

“Really, with a lisfranc injury, that will be a four-month injury, so after four months, he’ll hit the early part of pre-season and be ready to go for next year.”