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Geelong

Today, Geelong coach Mark Thompson has leaped to the defence of his skipper Steven King, after a growing criticism in the media of his performance this year.

Early this week a newspaper article pointed out the big man hadn't taken a contested mark this season.

King underwent shoulder surgery during the off-season after completing the 2004 season with the injury. Thompson said the key ruckman was still battling the effects of the injury this year.

Meanwhile, the injury-ravaged Cats will welcome back key players for Sunday's clash against Hawthorn at Telstra Dome after they were freshened up by the mid-season break.

King (calf) is poised to return after missing two games, while David Johnson (hamstring) and Andrew Mackie (hip) are also likely to be included.

Important forward Brad Ottens (groin) is considered only a 50-50 chance to play after missing the loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba 10 days ago.

The Cats are currently without Steve Johnson (ankle), Corey Enright (knee), Henry Playfair (jaw), Will Slade (osteitis pubis) and Tim Callan (shoulder) while David Wojcinski (knee) will miss the rest of the season.

Geelong

AFL video reports officer Ian Robinson says there will be no action taken against Geelong midfielder Charlie Gardiner, who clashed with a field umpire in the game against Adelaide at Skilled Stadium on Sunday, reports Afl.com

Robinson said there was no negligence in Gardiner