Cats captain Patrick Dangerfield has stated he's hopeful mainstay defender Tom Stewart will return for their Friday night blockbuster against Melbourne, while dismissing further concerns following a head clash with Zac Bailey in final quarter of Geelong's loss to Brisbane.
"Yeah, just a flesh wound, I tried to channel Joel [Selwood]," Dangerfield jokingly told media on Monday.
"Obviously prefer it not happen, but yeah it's fine.
"We're really hopeful Tom Stewart will be back... We'll walk him out with crutches if we need to, you can't replace a Tom Stewart. You can manufacture the role but he's an incredible defender... He's the key pillar in the defence."
Dangerfield also provided an update on Shannon Neale, who was seen with a moonboot post-game on Saturday night.
"[Neale] still had a moonboot on this morning. I think he'll have some scans at some stage early in the week and then see where it's at," Dangerfield said.
"He obviously finished out the game which is pleasing so hopefully it's not too serious. I'm not too sure what the issue was."
Dangerfield liked the potential Geelong showed at the Gabba but underscored the importance of putting together a more consistent game across all four quarters.
"It was a flipped script from Round 2 where we had a poor first half and finished strongly, so we need to bookend both those games and it's a bit more of a complete performance," Dangerfield said.
"There was some really good elements but clearly there's some pieces we need to improve. That third quarter and ability to hang in there a bit tighter and not be scored on so easily [is an area needing improvement]."
Dangerfield's impact in what he calls a "joyous" hybrid midfield-forward role has been evident in 2025, kicking two important goals against the Lions, extending Geelong's lead before the main break and then wrestling momentum for the Cats at the beginning of the final quarter.
"Whether it's forward or midfield or off the bench at times, [playing AFL] is joyous. As you get older, you certainly are aware that you're far closer to the end than the start so you've got to enjoy every moment.
"I get front-row seats to watching Jeremey Cameron, Tyson Stengle and Ollie Henry. Everyone enjoys celebrating a goal and I'm not different to that."
Geelong will hope to solidify GMHBA Stadium as a fortress when they return on Friday, facing the 0-3 Melbourne Demons.
