Port Douglas Crocs captain Evan “Buddha” Hocking looks certain to play in this Saturday’s Cairns AFL preliminary final against the Manunda Hawks despite being knocked unconscious in last weekend’s elimination final.

Hocking was given the all clear by a personal doctor on Monday after he was knocked out vying for a contested possession in the first ten minutes of the Crocs 44-point elimination final win over Centrals Trinity Beach at Cazaly’s on Saturday.

The popular Hocking, who also captained the 2011 CAFL rep team which beat Sydney AFL in June, was stretchered off the ground and looked to have been finished for the day.

Much to the amazement of the Cazaly’s crowd, he returned for the start of the third quarter and remained an influence in defense.

Key defender and former NT Thunder player, David Kruse, was also carted off on the stretcher with a knee injury in the second quarter, and like Hocking, returned to the game after half time.

Both Hocking and Kruse were benched at the 20-minute mark of the fourth quarter in preparation for this weekend’s final with the Hawks.

Injury concerns also surround Crocs veteran, Brad Cooper, who sustained a hand injury in the third quarter of Saturday’s Centrals win, while Kane Uebergang looked wobbly on his feet after receiving a heavy knock. Both look likely to play this week.

The Crocs’ preliminary final opponents, Manunda Hawks, are also sweating on injuries to key players in the lead-up up to this Saturday’s clash with the Crocs.

The minor premiers were thumped by reigning premiers Cairns Saints to the tune of 92 points at the weekend, finishing the game without a bench.

They will wait on the fitness of three key players, including centre half-back Jermaine Wardle.