Latest AFL News

Geelong sweat on likely Dangerfield scans following “nicked” hamstring

The Cats defeated the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Friday night, starting the year 2-0.

Published by
Aidan Cellini

Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield is set for scans after feeling soreness in his hamstring.

The Cats - who defeated Adelaide by 19 points on Friday night - subbed out the 2016 Brownlow Medallist late in the match, bringing on Mitch Knevitt as his replacement.

Dangerfield was instrumental in the victory, gathering 23 possessions, and four clearances while laying eight tackles before coming off the ground.

Journalist Tom Morris believes that Dangerfield could be out for up to three weeks, potentially missing clashes against Hawthorn, Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne.

Coach Chris Scott described what his midfielder was feeling post-game.

"He described a cramp," Scott said.

"If he was just cramping in both calves I wouldn't be worried at all, but it was a cramp in his hamstring, so probably needs to be watched carefully.

"I'm just parroting what I heard him say to the media so we'll follow that one up a little bit closer over the next couple of days and get back to you."

Dangerfield's injury adds to the chaotic 24 hours, with both Mitch Duncan (personal reasons) and Tom Atkins (adductor) pulled from the senior side just before the bounce.

Duncan opted not to play in Friday night's clash, with his wife going into labour, heading back to Melbourne on a 4:30 pm flight from Adelaide.

Despite a nervy wait for the Cats on the trio's availability, milestone man Tom Stewart was superb in his 150th AFL game.

Drafted as a mature-age defender, Stewart took a record-equalling 10 intercept marks on the night and proved to be no answer for the Crows.

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks had plans for the five-time All-Australian but was to no avail.

"We came in with a number of plans and the first one didn't work," Nicks said post-game.

"There's a reason he's a highly regarded player and one of the best in the competition and he showed that tonight.

"Plan A for Stewart and their backline was a solid one, but we didn't execute it at all, so we went to Plan B. He's a fantastic player.

"Most people look and go, 'Why don't you just put someone on him?'

"Some players have a level of footy that even with that attention are able to impact the game. He's one of those."

Geelong have began their 2024 in flying form, knocking off two up-and-coming teams in successive weeks.

While the Crows face an opposite ledger, producing a disappointing fortnight that has put them on the back foot to start the season.

Scott's men will look to continue their impressive form in the traditional Easter Monday clash against Hawthorn, while Adelaide turns their focus to Fremantle.

Published by
Aidan Cellini