Geelong could welcome back three players from injury for Tuesday's big AFL clash against Hawthorn.

Coach Chris Scott said at Thursday morning's training session that key forward Tom Hawkins was certain to be available, while Mathew Stokes and Mitch Duncan are also strong candidates for recalls.

The two teams will name 25-man squads for the MCG match.

The Cats have started the season strongly with four-straight wins and they are set for another epic game with Hawthorn, who are also in strong early-season form.

The winner will earn the tag of the No.1 contender to reigning premiers Collingwood, but Cats coach Chris Scott said it is too early in the season for that to matter much.

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