Carlton duo Marc Pittonet and Mitch McGovern are closing in on AFL returns, but whether it comes against Geelong on Saturday remains to be seen.
Carlton coach Michael Voss expects ruckman Marc Pittonet and defender Mitch McGovern to be fit for selection this week, but they are not certain to feature against ladder leaders Geelong on Saturday night.
Pittonet (knee) has been sidelined since round six, while McGovern (hamstring) hasn't played since round two.
Sunday's 63-point win over West Coast moved Carlton up to fifth spot, just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Brisbane.
A win over Geelong would put Carlton in a strong position to land a top-four berth.
Carlton's defence is currently missing Zac Williams, Caleb Marchbank, and Oscar McDonald, and the addition of McGovern would be a vital boost in the lead-up to finals.
Tom De Koning has performed admirably as the lead ruckman in Pittonet's absence.
But whether Voss rushes McGovern and Pittonet straight back for the key match against Geelong remains to be seen.
"Where they play, we'll sit down and work that out," said Voss, who expects midfielder Jack Newnes (corked leg) to be fit to take on Geelong.
De Koning was crucial in the win over West Coast, tallying 16 possessions, 17 hitouts, and seven clearances to help Carlton win the clearance battle 47-31.
Voss hasn't ruled out playing De Koning and Pittonet in the same side.
De Koning's effort against West Coast was all the more meritorious given he was up against star ruckman Nic Naitanui, who tallied just seven possessions, 26 hitouts, and three clearances.
After the match, West Coast coach Adam Simpson revealed Naitanui had played sore, following his return from a knee injury a week earlier.
"We all would have seen Nic labour a little bit early, but his craft and the way he went about it after quarter time was pretty sharp," Simpson said.
"He'll be better for the run."
West Coast forward Josh Kennedy is not certain to face Hawthorn on Sunday at the MCG.
Kennedy is set to announce his retirement in the coming weeks, and the 34-year-old veteran was rested for the recent loss to Richmond.
Simpson said he would leave the decision up to Kennedy on whether he plays against Hawthorn.
"He knows his body better than anyone, so if he tells me he's right to go we'll play him," Simpson said.
"We don't have a lot at WAFL level to come up and expose. Young Jack Williams is 18 years old and still learning his craft. He's probably not quite ready just yet."
Forward Jamie Cripps, who entered the AFL's health and safety protocols last week, remains a chance to face the Hawks.
