Geelong are expected to make a late change ahead of Saturday's meeting with St Kilda, with star recruit Bailey Smith tipped to make way due to a calf concern.
Smith, who was arguably Geelong's best in his club debut against Fremantle last weekend, will reportedly be taken out of Chris Scott's 23-man side due to the injury matter, per 7 News' Mitch Cleary.
It is understood Smith didn't train on Friday for the Cats' captain's run session, with Geelong to replace the former Bulldog before the opening bounce at Marvel Stadium.
Smith overcame a knee concern to be fit for the Round 1 victory over the Dockers after a year on the sidelines as he recovered from an ACL setback.
Bailey Smith will be a late out for Geelong tomorrow night against St Kilda.
He has picked up a calf injury. Didnโt train today.
A big setback for the Cats that theyโll be without their prized recruit after just one game #AFLSaintsCats @7NewsMelbourne @7AFLโ Mitch Cleary (@cleary_mitch) March 21, 2025
The forced change will see Scott look to one of his emergencies for Round 2, with Ted Clohesy, Mitch Duncan and Rhys Stanley on standby.
Clohesy looms as the most likely replacement for Smith, while Duncan too could be called on for his first game of 2025.
Geelong did not make a change to the side that defeated Fremantle by 78 points at Kardinia Park last Saturday thanks to a dominant start to the season and the playing group seemingly coming out unscathed.
The Cats and Saints will confirm their final teams an hour prior to Saturday's 7:35pm (AEDT) bounce when they also name their tactical subs.
