Tom Stewart

Fears season over for star Cat

Geelong’s premiership hopes are sure to be hinging on the health of their key defender.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Geelong are facing a nervous wait on the diagnosis of defender Tom Stewart's foot injury, with AFL.com.au's Mitch Cleary stating the setback could be season ending.

Within the Cats' announcement that Stewart had been withdrawn from Saturday's clash against the Saints, Geelong football boss Simon Lloyd stated the club will seek the attention of specialists to examine the extent of the damage.

"Tommy Stewart sustained a foot injury in a marking contest at Thursday's training," he said.

"He's not available this week and we'll consult relevant specialists over the coming week."

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: Tom Stewart of the Cats marks the ball during the round 22 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Fremantle Dockers at GMHBA Stadium on August 18, 2018 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

According to Cleary's report, the Cats are concerned their two-time All-Australian may have sustained significant damage to his foot.

A Lisfranc injury could spell the end for Stewart's season, with the 28-year-old already placed in a moon boot and requiring crutches.

Stewart's availability holds massive implications for the Cats' premiership tilt, with the key defender in contention for the Carji Greeves Medal at season's end.

Geelong were aiming for a clean bill of health heading into the post-season, with Jeremy Cameron, Lachie Henderson and Mark O'Connor making returns for Saturday's clash with St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium.

Quartet Gary Rohan, Mitch Duncan, Zach Tuohy and Gryan Miers could be in line for returns come finals, with their comebacks also hinging on the AFL's decision to potentially scrap the pre-finals bye.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 12: Gryan Miers of the Cats celebrates a goal during the round eight AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Geelong Cats at Marvel Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

Should the league bring the finals forward by a week, it could spell concern for Chris Scott's side given the expected timeframe of several injured figures.

Stewart was replaced by Sam Simpson for Geelong's clash with St Kilda.

Published by
Mitch Keating