Geelong shall be with out star Mark Blicavs for the remainder of the home-and-away season, and will solely return to enjoying in 2023 if the Cats make a deep run in finals.
The All Australian utility got here off GMHBA Stadium clutching at his hamstring throughout Saturday’s loss to Fremantle, with scans confirming a excessive grade hamstring pressure for the 32 12 months previous.
Footy boss Simon Lloyd stated optimistic performances within the VFL crew’s large win on the weekend would supply some consolation forward of the must-win conflict towards Port Adelaide.
“Mark suffered a high hamstring strain,” he stated on Tuesday.
“It’s obviously unfortunate but we’ll give progress reports over the coming weeks as they work through their rehab.
“We saw some great performances (against the Northern Bullants), and a lot of those guys will be in contention for games this weekend against Port Adelaide.”
Blicavs has performed each recreation this season, averaging 15.8 possessions, 3.4 marks, 4.6 tackles, 10.6 hit outs, 4.3 clearances and 0.6 targets per recreation in 2023.
Meanwhile, veteran ahead Tom Hawkins can even not play within the crunch match towards Port Adelaide, with the famous person additionally injuring his hamstring.
Hawkins has not missed a recreation of soccer since lacking the 2019 preliminary last towards Richmond by way of suspension, and has not missed by way of harm since spherical 8, 2018.
The 35 12 months previous was reportedly near enjoying towards the Power, and can practice this week, however the membership is opting to not danger the veteran.
Lloyd stated Hawkins can be collaborating in coaching on Friday.
“Tom suffered a minor hamstring strain,” Lloyd stated.
“Both have gone into their rehabilitation program immediately and we expect Tom to be running by the back end of this week.”
Esava Ratugolea and Shannon Neale look like within the field seat to exchange Tom Hawkins, whereas Brandan Parfitt seems to be prone to return in Blicavs’ absence after amassing 40 disposals within the VFL.
Veteran midfielder Cam Guthrie is constructing his conditioning work on the monitor, with Lloyd confirming the star on-baller won’t return to the sphere this weekend.
“We’re happy with his progress, and he’s tracking really well,” he stated.
“What we’re seeing now on the track is speed and acceleration, he’s working through all those steps, he’s still going through his reconditioning.
“We’d love to have him out there this week, but in the not-too-distant future.”
Forward Sam Simpson can even have his splint faraway from his hand on Friday and rejoin full coaching masses after struggling a fracture and being restricted in his duties.
Young Cat James Willis had a hernia operation final week and can go straight into operating, whereas prized recruit Jhye Clark will return to group coaching within the subsequent two weeks.
Originally revealed as Geelong Cats: Tom Hawkins, Mark Blicavs hamstring harm replace
Source: www.news.com.au
