Latest AFL News

Geelong quartet train away from main group days out from Brisbane final

Four key Cats were left on light duties at training on Monday.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Geelong's first training session in the week of their preliminary final bout against Brisbane may leave some Cats fans on edge, with four key players working away from the main group on Monday morning.

Key defender Jake Kolodjashnij is the only listed injury concern for Chris Scott's side, having been subbed out of Geelong's qualifying final with a knee issue.

The Tasmanian native remains in some doubt for Friday night's matchup, with the Cats hopeful of his playing prospects.

Irishman and recent medical sub Mark O'Connor is among the fringe options on standby should Kolodjashnij be ruled out of the contest, with O'Connor also capable of being utilised in a run-with role on Lions star Lachie Neale.

It seems Kolodjashnij isn't the only player Geelong are monitoring just days out from their clash with Brisbane, with forward pair Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins, as well as veteran midfielder Sam Menegola, among those training separately to the main group, per 7 News' Nat Yoannidis.

Cameron made his return from a hamstring issue to face Collingwood and showed no signs of the ailment impacting his ability, however was rested throughout sessions last week.

Menegola has battled injuries throughout this year, returning from a knee injury mid-season before facing concussion issues to be limited to just the seven appearances this year.

Hawkins hasn't been noted to be battling an injury, with his workloads likely managed after playing all 23 matches of the year so far.

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Jeremy Cameron of the Cats
kicks for goal during the AFL Community Series match between the Geelong Cats and the Essendon Bombers at GMHBA Stadium on March 06, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

While the Cats will be weighing up potential changes to their side for this weekend, the Lions could be forced into at least one change, while a pair of key-position players look likely to return for Friday night.

Brisbane midfielder Jarrod Berry is hoping to successfully challenge the Match Review Officer's one-game suspension for an unnecessary or unreasonable contact to the eye region charge on Demon Clayton Oliver.

Forward Joe Daniher (personal reasons) and ruckman Oscar McInerney (concussion) are expected to be available for selection this week.

Both sides will confirm their squads at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday night.

Published by
Mitch Keating