GEELONG is expecting ruckman Rhys Stanley to return for Friday night’s clash with Richmond at the MCG.
The 28-year-old has missed two of the past three matches separate adductor issues that coach Chris Scott is confident he has overcome.
“They’re very confident down in our medical department it’s a slightly different issue, but very minor again,” Scott said.
“So, we think he’ll be available.
“It was a small muscle in the adductor initially, and this is more an adductor longus – the main muscle in that area.
“But both very, very minor, and both acute. (It’s) something we don’t think we’ll come up again once he recovers from this issue.”
The availability of Stanley means Zac Smith’s return to the Geelong team after more than 12 months may be short-lived, with the Cats likely to prefer Stanley’s combination with Esava Ratugolea.
“It’s unlikely we’d play three ruckmen in one team,” Scott said.
“If we choose Rhys, then Zac would be unlucky.
“But it’s not out of the realms of possibility we play Zac again and keep Rhys on ice for another week.”
Gary Ablett will also return from suspension, with Scott dismissing suggestions he would be given another week off, that, coupled with next week’s bye, would give the 35-year-old a three-week break.
“If he did have issues that he was managing, that would be a likely scenario,” Scott said.
“But, he’s not in that state; he’s feeling really good.
“Some of the issues that have plagued him a little bit over previous seasons – not just this time with us, but his last two seasons at the Gold Coast, look to be in the past.
“So, there’s no reason not to play him this week.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
Email: kingy@geelongbroadcasters.com
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