GEELONG will welcome back experienced ruck Aasta O’Connor but has lost talented young defender Becky Webster to injury among two changes for Saturday’s Round 4 AFL Women’s meeting with Carlton at GMHBA Stadium.
The Cats have recalled Cassie Blakeway, while forward Kate Darby has been dropped for the clash, which will see the winner move into top spot with three rounds remaining.
O’Connor missed last week’s loss to Adelaide with knee soreness after copping a knock the previous round against the Western Bulldogs.
“It’s a terrific bonus to have Aasta in the team,” coach Paul Hood said.
“It was unfortunate that she missed last week with a knee (injury), but her experience and her ability around the contest, plus her fantastic kicking leg, are real assets to the side.”
Hood said Webster, who has impressed since being selected with pick No.7 in last October’s National Draft, could miss anywhere between one and three weeks.
“It depends on when she starts moving again exactly how it presents,” Hood said.
“We’re hopeful she can get back and play some footy this season.
“She was a bit sore going into the game, but she aggravated it in the game, which is an unfortunate part with an ankle.
“If you get a hit or a kick in the wrong part of it, they can be pretty painful.”
The Cats will take on a Blues’ line-up full of confidence following their 29-point win over the GWS Giants.
“Carlton played Adelaide two weeks ago (and) we had a really good look at them while we were previewing Adelaide,” Hood said.
“And watching them again on the vision they play a very similar style to the Crows.
“It’s a really good time for to get the Blues because they’re fast, they’ve got a good midfield, they’ve got a really potent forward line, and that’s what we came up against last week.
“So, we’ve learnt a few lessons and we’ve got a few processes we want to put in place and work on.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
AFL WOMEN’S ROUND 4
GEELONG (2nd Conference B) vs. CARLTON (1st Conference B)
GMHBA Stadium
Saturday, February 23, 4:45pm
[supsystic-tables id=’29’]
