DEAN Gore’s comeback from a severe knee injury has lasted just one game after the Geelong VFL midfielder suffered a finger injury at training before the weekend loss to the Northern Blues.
Gore, who spent a year on the Cats’ AFL list before being traded to Adelaide as part of the Patrick Dangerfield deal, was due to undergo surgery early this week after suffering damage to a tendon.
The 22-year-old returned to Geelong after being delisted by the Crows but missed all of 2018 with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.
Meanwhile, Bell Park recruit Luke Smith is closing in on a VFL debut with Geelong.
Smith, who came to attention after helping Shepparton to the Goulburn Valley league premiership last year, has kicked 12 goals in two games with GFL club, including five against 2018 grand finalist St Mary’s on the weekend.
“We know he’s a smart forward who can kick goals,” coach Shane O’Bree said. “He’ll complement our team if we can get him in.
“There’s not many high forward spots available at the moment.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
