REIGNING best-and-fairest Meg McDonald is set to make a timely return to the Geelong line-up for Sunday’s clash with reigning premier Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium.
The 2019 All-Australian defender has missed the opening two rounds with a broken finger suffered at training on January 30.
McDonald underwent surgery the following day and wasn’t expect to return until Round 4.
However, coach Paul Hood says McDonald only needs to get through training on Thursday night to take her place in the team to take on the Crows.
“She’s recovered really well from her injury,” he said.
“She’s been to the surgeon and sought an opinion, and everything’s gone well.
“It’s just a matter of making sure it’s safe with her finger the way it is.
“The medical advice has been fantastic, and Meg’s really excited, we’re really excited, and hopefully she gets through training and she’s good to go.”
Hood is confident McDonald can quickly recapture the form that made her Geelong’s first AFLW All-Australian.
“She was terrific in the practice match (against the Western Bulldogs on January 25) for us,” he said.
“She’s a really dynamic player behind the ball, brings some great leadership … we’re just looking for her to come in and play her role.
“We don’t need her to dominate.”
While McDonald will return, Geelong will be without young gun Denby Taylor who will miss at least two weeks with an ankle injury suffered in the first quarter of last Sunday’s loss to Brisbane.
“Denby’s ankle injury was (diagnosed as) a medium-grade ankle, so she’s not moving for two weeks,” Hood said.
“When she starts moving again, we’ll see how well her ankle’s repaired and hopefully we can see her later in the season.
“But as far as a timeframe, it’s still too early to tell.
“The medical staff will be able to assess that once she starts moving.”
Experienced defender Anna Teague will also spend another week on the sidelines with a quad injury suffered at training before Round 1.
Teague had hoped to take on the Crows; however, Hood says she will spend at least another week on the sidelines.
“She’s got a little bit more work to do, Anna,” he said.
“She’s not far away, but probably needs a little bit more training under her belt.
“But, she’s coming along well.”
