Geelong star Tom Hawkins has been cleared for his dangerous tackle on Saints defender Darragh Joyce.

Hawkins was reported during the fourth quarter of Geelong's clash with the St Kilda Saints for a driving tackle from behind on Joyce.

While there didn't appear to be a great deal in the tackle, it was enough to concuss Joyce and rub him out of the remainder of the game, which the Cats eventually won to the tune of 14 points.

It's understood that Hawkins' tackle was not deemed careless, as it was within the one motion.

The win keeps Geelong in with a chance of taking the minor premiership ahead of their clash with ladder leaders the Melbourne Demons next week.

The Demons currently sit on 66 competition points, with Geelong and Port Adelaide both two points behind. Port's percentage is just 1.3 below that of Geelong, with the Power to play the fourth-placed Western Bulldogs next weekend in what will be a riveting final round of the regular season.

Geelong sources were reportedly confident Hawkins would escape suspension.

The key Geelong forward has kicked 50 goals for the season so far, and is currently second in the Coleman Medal race. It leaves him eight goals behind the injured Harry McKay of the Carlton Blues however, with the gap likely to be too large to make up. Hawkins also averaged 13.6 disposals per game.

The 33-year-old is yet to miss a game in 2021, and is fast approaching 300 career games.

It's understood Geelong's clash with Melbourne will be played at either the Melbourne Cricket Ground or GMHBA Stadium at Geelong on Saturday evening. Port Adelaide will face the Western Bulldogs on Friday evening, meaning both sides will know the full minor premiership situation heading into the game.