GEELONG is still considering up to 28 names ahead of naming its final team for Saturday’s opening round AFL clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
The Cats have options aplenty to take on the Crows, despite injuries ruling out grand final team members Mitch Duncan (calf) and Sam Simpson (shoulder), as well big men Esava Ratugolea (leg fracture) and Darcy Fort (knee) from making the trip to the City of Churches.
“Taking those guys away, we still have a pretty big group to pick from, and there’s some real competition for spots,” coach Chris Scott said.
“The three experienced players we brought in will all play – (Isaac) Smith, (Shaun) Higgins, and (Jeremy) Cameron.
“Mitch Duncan and Sam Simpson aside, the guys that played towards the end of last year for us are available.
“It’s a difficult team to pick.”
That includes Rhys Stanley and Luke Dahlhaus.
Stanley missed the AAMI Community Series win over Essendon under the AFL’s new concussion protocols after suffering a knock in the practice match against Collingwood.
Dahlhaus has battled groin soreness through pre-season but played in the VFL practice match against North Melbourne on the morning of the match-up with the Bombers.
“I’m leaning towards thinking he’s right to go,” Scott said of Dahlhaus.
“Rhys is available. Similar to Luke Dahlhaus in that he’s medically cleared as it stands at the moment.
“Then the consideration is just around his preparation outside of that.
“I’m expecting him to play.”
If Stanley does play, it’s still to be decided whether former Crow Josh Jenkins will take on his former team for the first time or Mark Blicaves will provide the support in the ruck.
“There is an argument to say are we going to play two or three (rucks),” Scott said. “Jenkins is the one in the frame.
“We’ve had a bit of bad luck with Ratugolea and Fort, in particular.
“(But), it’s made a selection a bit easier because it would have really difficult had all of those guys been available.
“It’s not the best thing for the team not to have them up-and-going, but, I’d say, for the genuine second ruck position, Jenkins is the one in the frame.”
K rock Football is live from 3pm Saturday for the Cats’ clash with the Crows.
Click below to listen to Chris Scott’s media conference in full.
Twitter: @tom_king79
