Cats youngsters sidelined

A second-year big man and four newcomers have been added to Geelong’s injury list, which now features 13 names.

Mitch Edwards, who played just three VFL matches during his first season on the list in 2024, is listed as having a pelvis concern that will see him sidelined for the foreseeable future.

“Mitch has had low-level groin symptoms through the back end of pre-season,” football boss Andrew Mackie said.

“After an interrupted 2024, we have decided to take a conservative approach with his return to full training loads and prioritise (the) development of his strength and overall conditioning before he returns.

“He has started back modified training with the group; a return to play timeline is still to be determined.”

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Draftees Lenny Hofmann, Jacob Molier, Keighton Matofai-Forbes, and Category B rookie Cillian Burke will miss the start of the VFL season.

Hofman and Molier have hamstring injuries that will sideline them for up to three weeks, Matofai-Forbes is being put through an “extending conditioning block” after an interrupted month of training, and Burke won’t be seen until the second half of the season with as he overcomes a knee issue.

“Cillian arrived at the Club last year with a pre-existing and known cartilage injury in his left knee,” Mackie said.

“We are taking a conservative and long-term approach to ensuring his body is ready to withstand the rigours of AFL football.”

Veteran defender Jake Kolodjashnij is two weeks away from a return from a groin injury, Jed Bews is at least seven weeks away following finger surgery, while Cam Guthrie (Achilles), Toby Conway (back) and Tanner Bruhn (finger) are TBC.

X: @krockfootball