Geelong have revealed star defender Tom Stewart has avoided a serious knee injury and remains in contention for Saturday's clash with Brisbane.
Stewart was subbed out of the Cats' Round 2 loss to St Kilda after landing on the Marvel Stadium turf and hurting his knee, with the vice-captain requiring assistance when coming from the field.
The veteran backman returned to the field later in the match but was soon subbed out of the contest, with the Cats fearing a potential long-term injury for their All-Australian.
In a positive update for Geelong, the club has revealed scans have now shown serious damage to Stewart's knee, with the gun Cat a test for Round 3.
"In positive news, scans on Monday morning have ruled out any serious injury to Tom's right knee," Cats football boss Andrew Mackie said in a club update.
"With two training sessions remaining before we head to Brisbane, Tom will be closely monitored throughout the week and will be a test to play against the Lions on Saturday night."
Stewart's selection prospects will buoy Chris Scott and his side heading into the weekend, with Geelong looking to bounce back from the shock seven-point loss to the Saints.
The Cats could regain injured midfielder Bailey Smith, who missed Round 2 with a calf issue. Smith was among Geelong's best in their season-opening win over Fremantle, with the club likely to provide a wider injury update on Tuesday.
Midfield-forward Shaun Mannagh managed to return from a foot injury over the weekend in Geelong's VFL victory over Sandringham.
The Cats will head to Queensland later this week to meet with the reigning premiers for the contest that was originally scheduled for Opening Round.
