Geelong is set to welcome back Jeremy Cameron for Saturday’s final round match-up with Richmond at GMHBA Stadium.
The star forward has been sidelined since damaging his AC joint in the Round 18 loss to the GWS Giants.
Coach Chris Scott says Cameron was considered for a return in last week’s win over North Melbourne.
“There was a discussion last week as to whether he might play that game,” Scott said.
“So that’s the really kind of… broad observation that if he was – and it’s simplistic so I probably shouldn’t say it – in consideration last week, I’d say he’s in pretty good shape this week.”
Scott ruled out Cameron playing managed minutes in what will be the Cats’ last hit-out before embarking on a 20th finals appearance in 23 seasons.
“I think we’re in the position now where with him in particular – it’s different for maybe other individuals, and I’m happy to answer those questions, but with him we wouldn’t play him unless he was ready to go,” Scott said.
“In my mind, the conversations we were having in the past fortnight lead me to believe that this is potentially a little bit later (of) a return that he could have had.
“But it leaves me more confident that he’s got more training under his belt and he’s just ready to play normally.”
Versatile big man Sam De Koning is also expected to return after missing last week with a minor knee bursa issue.
A foot issue that ended Oli Wiltshire’s night against the Kangaroos at halftime is looking “pretty positive”.
However, James Worpel is facing between two and four weeks on the sidelines after coming from Marvel Stadium with a hamstring issue.
His absence could open the door for several players toiling away in the VFL team, which has this weekend off ahead of next week’s qualifying final against Tasmania, to return to the AFL team.
“George Stevens has been really good for us all year; Jack Bowes is in that category. Mitch Knevitt’s in that category,” Scott said.
“And I think hopefully it’s encouraging for those guys that Jhye Clark and James Worpel, who were in a similar boat to those guys, have come in and played really well at AFL level.
“It should give them confidence that we’re thinking about them, and it gives us confidence that if they do come in, they can perform at the level.”
X: @krockfootball
