Geelong defender Lachie Henderson will not play in Friday night's qualifying final against Hawthorn.
Henderson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery following Geelong's win over Brisbane in Round 22.
The Cats had hoped Henderson would be available to play in the first week of the finals, however, Fox Footy's Jake Niall has reported that he has been unable to regain full fitness and Geelong has opted not to risk the 26-year-old.
Full teams for week one of the finals will be released at around 6.25pmย on Thursday evening.
Not exactly a surprise or a huge blow. On a wet night and against Hawthorn’s small forwards, Bews might be a better option anyway. One of the bigger backs was bound to be rested. A backline of Bews, Lonergan, Taylor, Enright, Mackie and Kolojashnij with someone like Guthrie or Cowan watching a small mid-forward will be a better match up.