Geelong coach Chris Scott is adamant Esava Ratugolea is not “going anywhere” because the race for the defender’s providers heats up.
Ratugolea’s contract expires on the finish of the season and Port Adelaide are reportedly circling the 70-game backman.
Geelong thwarted Port’s bid to snare Ratugolea on the finish of final yr and Scott indicated the Cats will battle tooth and nail once more to retain the 24-year-old.
“As to how hard we fight for him – about as hard as last year. He’s not going anywhere,” Scott advised reporters on Tuesday.
“If I were Esava, I would take it as a compliment that other teams are interested and as a coach I certainly do.
“We’ve received gamers that different groups need.”
Ratugolea, who has been a revelation since being switched from attack to defence during the off-season, will return from a hamstring injury in Friday night’s clash with Sydney at the SCG.
Scott confirmed star veteran Patrick Dangerfield would join Ratugolea in the side.
Dangerfield has been sidelined since suffering a partially collapsed lung and cracked rib in the round-14 loss to Port Adelaide.
The 33-year-old was unable to fly straight after that game, forcing him to drive eight hours to his home in Moggs Creek.
Scott said Dangerfield had been passed fit to play against Sydney.
“He’s nice. He was shut final week,” Scott stated.
“As we alluded to, we have been going to be cautious with him.
“He had a lung issue and that was the problem we needed to be really sure about.
“I’ve stated quite a few instances I do not suppose it is the trendy method at our membership anyway to danger any participant, regardless of standing throughout the group.
“He’s trained as expected so good to have him back.”
Forward Jeremy Cameron will miss the match after being concussed within the win over Melbourne.
Scott is hopeful Cameron will return for subsequent week’s conflict with North Melbourne.
“The pleasing thing for me is he looks normal around the place, he is his happy self,” Scott stated.
“He’s in the concussion protocols. He has a bit of a shoulder issue from that contact as well.
“I’m optimistic that after he is out of the protocols he’ll be able to play.
“He will probably have a shoulder strapped up when he comes back.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
