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".

BASH AND CRASH: Full match coverage and stats

"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 of the match at Adelaide Oval with back spasms but he should be available to play in the home match against Sydney on Saturday.

THOMAS IN TROUBLE: Five talking points

"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.

Meanwhile, Scott played down his reaction to what appeared to be a fan's comment as he walked through the grandstand to the field at three-quarter time on Saturday night. 

Broadcast vision showed Scott repeatedly turning his head to look into the crowd as he headed to join his players at the final change. His double-take came in the wake Richmond coach's Damien Hardwick's heated conversation with an Adelaide fan in round two during the Tigers' loss to the Crows. 

WATCH: Did Scott give a fan the evil eye?

Asked if there was anything untoward, Scott said: "I always hear people calling me Brad. I don't know if they're being smartarses or not.

"There was nothing that I noticed. Nothing out of the ordinary."

On a more positive note, Scott was pleased with what some of his younger players delivered against the Power.

WATCH: Chris Scott's full post-match press conference

"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)."