Geelong are yet to learn the extent of ruckman Rhys Stanley's knee injury, with the veteran tall to undergo scans in the coming days.
Stanley was subbed out of Saturday's win over the Power due to the ailment, with sophomore Shannon Neale coming onto the game as the medical substitute.
Cats senior coach Chris Scott hinted to media post-game that Stanley will spend some time on the sidelines as Geelong look to strengthen their bid for the minor premiership, with the Cats having created a buffer over the rest of the competition thanks to a nine-game winning run.
But despite Scott's concerns, Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd is yet to rule out an unfortunate outcome for Stanley ahead of next week's clash with the Bulldogs.
Speaking toย The Age,ย Lloyd said the likes of with Neale, Esava Ratugolea and former Hawk Jonathon Ceglar are waiting in the wings as the club awaits further testing on Stanley's hampered knee.
โWe basically give the medicos all the time they need, and the doctors all their time,โ Lloyd said.
โRhys hasnโt even had scans yet. Weโre going to wait and hear what they have to say.
โBetween Jonathan, Esava and also Shannon, theyโre all ready. Thatโs something weโll need to discuss with the match committee over the coming week.
โTheyโve all played adequate game time, and theyโre all in good form. So, weโve got players available if needed.โ
While not seen as a standout name for Scott's best 22, Stanley has been a key piece in negating rival ruckmen this year while also allowing Mark Blicavs more freedom to be utilised across multiple positions.
Ratugolea has not featured at AFL since Round 3, with the versatile tall requiring ankle surgery midway through the season.
Ceglar, who joined Geelong at the end of last year, has battled a foot injury throughout the year and recently made his return to action through the VFL.
Geelong will host the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium next Saturday night as they look to extend their stay at the summit of the ladder.
