GEELONG star Gary Ablett could be "very close" to resuming from a hamstring injury in round six with the Cats rubbishing reports he is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

 The veteran suffered the hamstring setback against West Coast in round three and last Thursday an article suggested he was facing a six-week recovery.

Coach Chris Scott said the speculation was "just incorrect".

"Someone asked me that during the week - unless they know more than I do," Scott said.

"I've read some stuff over the last couple of weeks that made me laugh as well but maybe it's there for our entertainment."

Tom Hawkins pulled out the match at the Adelaide Oval with back spasms but he should be available to play in the home match against Sydney on Saturday.

"Generally, those things turn around … it wasn't a huge issue, it was just something that was really acute and meant he couldn't play," he said.

Zac Guthrie will push for selection as well. But Lachie Henderson, Harry Taylor, Nakia Cockatoo, Lincoln McCarthy and Cam Guthrie remain unavailable.

While three key players are a chance of returning to the line-up, Scott was pleased with what some of his younger players delivered against the Power.

"Esava Ratugolea just played some really smart footy and competitive footy late when he was outnumbered," he said.

"We were under pressure against a good side on their home deck with all the momentum and we were able to find a way to kick away.

"There's getting experience into young players and then there's coming over here to an environment like this against good teams and good players around the ball and standing up.

"I think it's worth at least a few games (in experience)."