Geelong won’t put captain Patrick Dangerfield on the plane to Perth for Sunday night’s meeting with the struggling West Coast.
The 35-year-old will have another week off to recover from a hamstring injury suffered against Port Adelaide in the hope will be right for a blockbuster clash with Gold Coast at GMHBA Stadium in 11 days.
Jack Bowes’ timeframe for a return from a hamstring injury suffered against the Power has been narrowed to two weeks after the initial prognosis, which was as many as five weeks.
Cam Guthrie and Jack Martin are expected to take another step towards an AFL return when they play increased minutes in Sunday’s VFL clash with Williamstown.
The pair played the first half in the Cats’ state league loss to Footscray last Friday, with Martin impressing with 17 disposals, while Guthrie had 11, which was the first competitive hit out for both this year.
After being managed out of last week’s AFL win over the Western Bulldogs, Connor O’Sullivan will return to action this weekend.
Geelong could also have midfielder Jhye Clark in action if he passes each stage of the concussion protocol due to a knock in the VFL loss to Port Melbourne on May 17.
For a rare occasion in 2025, the Cats have reported no fresh injuries.
However, experienced defender Jake Kolodjashnij is now listed as TBC as he battles an ongoing back issue.
The 29-year-old played in the VFL loss to Carlton on April 27 but hasn’t featured since being a late withdrawal before the meeting with the GWS Giants on May 11.
“Jake had been managing a groin injury through the first part of the year,” football boss Andrew Mackie said.
“Recently, he returned to play; however, (he) has developed back symptoms.
Our high-performance and medical team should know more around a new return to play timeline over the next fortnight.
“However, our priority is to ensure that Jake is set up to play consistently in the back half of the year.”
The news is better for injury-prone ruck Toby Conway, with his training loads increasing during May, which has resulted in rejoining football drills.
“Over the next fortnight, our high-performance and medical team will discuss the next phase of Toby’s rehabilitation and his return to play timeline.”
Timelines are now in place for young ruck Mitch Edwards and 2024 draftee Jacob Molier.
“Mitch and Jacob have been progressing well and have been gradually increasing their training loads after their respective injuries,” Mackie said.
“Both have begun to integrate back into football drills, and we expect them to be in main training in a fortnight.
“Mitch is aiming for a VFL return against Brisbane in Round 13, while Jacob is eyeing his return two weeks later against Richmond.”
Irish recruit Cillian Burke is closing in on pulling on the Hoops for the first time after battling a knee injury, listed as a test.
GEELONG INJURY LIST – ROUND 12
| PLAYER | INJURY | TIMEFRAME |
| Jack Bowes | Hamstring | 2 weeks |
| Cillian Burke | Knee | Test |
| Jhye Clark | Concussion | Concussion Protocol |
| Toby Conway | Management | Indefinite |
| Patrick Dangerfield | Hamstring | 1 week |
| Mitch Edwards | Management | 4 weeks |
| Lenny Hofmann | Back | Indefinite |
| Jake Kolodjashnij | Back | TBC |
| Jacob Molier | Management | 5 weeks |
