GEELONG expects key forward Tom Hawkins to play a significant role in this year's finals series despite his ongoing back problems.

Hawkins played three quarters of Saturday's win against the Sydney Swans before being subbed out of the game.

He continued to look hampered in his actions as he gathered seven disposals, took four marks and kicked three behinds.

However Geelong coach Chris Scott said the plan going into the game was for Hawkins to play just three quarters before taking him out of the game.

He said the Cats had a specific plan for Hawkins – which he kept to himself – that he hoped would make the spearhead an effective force in the finals.

"The aim was to limit Tom's game time a little bit this week," Scott said.

"We have got a really specific plan. I can't walk you through what that means in the next few weeks unfortunately but we're pretty confident he will play a part in the final series."

Scott was not asked what he thought of Hawkins' performance but the big forward fulfilled a role.

He kept Sydney Swans' full back Ted Richards occupied in the air and brought the ball to ground for Geelong's crumbers to swoop on the ball.

If he had kicked straight he may have ended with three goals too, however he was wayward.

Hawkins has kicked 12 goals in 10 finals and proved his value in the 2011 finals series when he dominated all the way to the Grand Final. 

However he has kicked just two goals in the past month and missed the game against the Eagles.