The 25-year-old two-time premiership player has battled a back injury for much of the season, and his performances in recent weeks have been well below his best.
He managed only 10 disposals and one goal against North Melbourne in round 19, then tallied just six touches and one major against Port Adelaide last weekend, which led to him copping Bronx cheers when he came of the ground late in the game.
"(His injury) fluctuates a little bit. Not only for us but for our supporters, it's hard to get a read on how Tom's mobility is," coach Chris Scott said at Simonds Stadium.
"He was certainly the worst on the weekend that he's been for a little while.
"In some respects, things have changed a little bit in the way we're going to manage Tom.
"It would be unlikely that we would take him to Perth. Travel is a factor, but it's only a slight factor.
"The more important thing is how he is in himself and how he's handing that back issue.
"I think the probability is that we give him a week off to get over this slight deterioration.
"But that's doesn't change the medium-term outlook for Tom. We're still really optimistic that the program we've got in place will have him in good form and good health for the finals."
According to Scott, the injury has begun to have an impact on Hawkins' confidence.
"The mental battle is difficult," he said. "It's extremely frustrating when you’re a quality player and you're physically restricted in your output.
"So I think that's taking a little bit of a toll on him. But Tom's been marginalised before by some people and has bounced back pretty well."
While Hawkins is set to have the weekend off, veteran midfielder Paul Chapman, who hasn't played an AFL game since round four, might have earned himself a trip west.
The 31-year-old has played two VFL games since finally shaking off the hamstring problems that have sidelined him for much of the season.
"We were impressed with his form on the weekend out at Williamstown," Scott said. "He had a lot of the ball but he ran really well too.
"His defensive pressure was strong, he had 12 tackles. He's certainly doing everything we've asked of him so far.
"It's not a guarantee that we'll play him this week, or next week for that matter, but we have said that we'll give him every chance to force his way into our best 22, and that comment still stands."
If Chapman doesn't play this week, he is likely to return for Geelong's round 22 match against the Sydney Swans at Simonds Stadium.
"I think it would be a big ask for Chappy to play no AFL football and then bring him straight in for a final," Scott said.
"So the intention is, all going well, to play him before the finals, but there's a few things he needs to tick off before that happens."
Midfielder Mitch Duncan remains in doubt for the clash with the Eagles after being concussed early in the first quarter of the Cats' win over the Power on Saturday.
"He obviously took no further part in the game but was in pretty good condition post it," Scott said.
"But as we know with concussion, how they're feeling straight afterwards isn't always the best guide.
"Now we're a few days post-game, the signs are pretty good. But we need to make sure that we're really careful that if he does play he needs to be absolutely right."
Twitter: @AFL_AdamMcNicol
