Geelong star Mitch Duncan has made a quick trip to Adelaide for specialist treatment on his lingering calf issue in a last-ditch bid to be fit for the Cats’ opening-round clash against Collingwood.
The two-time premiership star has been out of action for Geelong’s pre-season matches after he picked up the niggle in early February, a similar calf injury that saw him miss Round 1 last season.
The 31-year-old has flown to SA to see a specialist physio but will be back in time for the Friday night blockbuster against the Pies at the MCG, with the club not yet ruling out the veteran.
With the uncertainty around Duncan, it could mean the Cats go into the season opener without four of their premiership players from last season.
Tom Hawkins looks increasingly unlikely to play as he recovers from foot surgery, with swingman Jack Henry already ruled, while Joel Selwood will be missing following his retirement.
The outs open the door for recruits Tanner Bruhn, Ollie Henry and Jack Bowes – who all impressed at times in Geelong’s practice matches – to make their Cats debuts against the Pies.
