Geelong hasn’t put a line through Harley Barker taking the field at some stage in 2026 as he steps up his training.
The Cats’ first pick in last year’s National Draft (24 overall) suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament midway through 2025.
In its weekly medical update, released this (Tuesday) afternoon, Geelong says the South Australian is making “steady progress”
“He has steadily increased his running and athletic training loads and is tracking well through the next phase of his program,” the update said.
“Harley will transition into more football-specific drills in the coming weeks, with his progression through this phase helping inform his training program for the remainder of 2026.”
However, luckless big man Toby Conway is now eyeing off next year as he continues to build following foot and knee surgery.
The 23-year-old last played on August 9 last year in a VFL match against Essendon.
Since being drafted in 2021, he’s managed just six AFL appearances and 20 VFL games.
“The remainder of the 2026 season will be used to establish a base from which Toby can progress through the 2027 pre-season,” the Cats said.
Meanwhile, Tanner Bruhn (neck) and Jack Henry (throat) have been cleared of serious injury after being hospitalised following incidents in the loss to the GWS Giants and are still in the frame to play St Kilda on Thursday night.
Irishman Mark O’Connor is a chance to return after being a late withdrawal due to quad tightness.
X: @krockfootball
GEELONG INJURY LIST
| Player | Injury | Timeline |
| Mark O’Connor | Quad tightness | Test |
| Jack Henry | Throat | Test |
| Tanner Bruhn | Neck | Test |
| Rhys Stanley | Hamstring tightness | Test |
| Jeremy Cameron | AC joint | 4-6 weeks |
| Toby Conway | Foot and knee | TBC |
| Harley Barker | Knee | TBC |
