Geelong fans will need to wait at least another two weeks to see their skipper in action, with Patrick Dangerfield not included in the side to play in Sydney on Sunday.
The 34-year-old is recovering from a hamstring injury, with coach Chris Scott flagging last week that Dangerfield would be right to return to the field against the Swans this weekend.
Scott said while Danger looks ready to go, they’ll continue to be conservative with the veteran.
“He could play this week; he’s been training really well but we think in the context of the wider season that it’s best to hold him back and have him primed for the Carlton game,” he said.
“We’re optimistic we might even get a couple (of players) back for that game.
“This is an important game for us; they all are, but not as important as the ten home and away games that follow our bye.
“We want to get ourselves in a position where we can really have a crack at the back half of the season; holding (Dangerfield) back complements that theory.”
Dangerfield has only managed to play four matches this season and has been missing since Round 7.
“Pat’s a little frustrated because he’d like to play but completely sees the bigger picture,” Scott said.
“It’s not as if we don’t have a precedent for this not only with our broader list but with him specifically.
“It’s a similar model to the one we implemented in 2022.
“We’re not saying that’s how it’s going to pan out, but we’re saying we’re trying to give ourselves a chance to do a similar thing.”
The Cats will bring Mark Blicavs straight back into the team following a one-week suspension, while Jhye Clark, who also served a one-week ban, Rhys Stanley and Shaun Mannagh have been named on an extended bench.
Ollie Henry will miss with a minor hamstring injury.
The final team will be announced at 5pm Friday.
X: @krockfootball
