GEELONG defender and vice-captain Tom Stewart is expected to be out of action for at least a month with scans on Monday confirming a grade two MCL strain to his knee.
Stewart was subbed out in the early stages of Friday night’s 22-point loss to Collingwood, after slipping on the newly laid turf at the MCG during the first term.
“While disappointing Tom sustained an injury in last Friday night’s game, following scans it was pleasing news the injury is not severe enough to keep sidelined long term,” Geelong’s General Manager of Football Simon Lloyd said.
“We expect Tom to return to the line-up in the short term.”
It’s a big blow for the Cats looking to bounce back in Thursday night’s clash with Carlton, with their defence coming up against the previous two Coleman Medallists in Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.
In more positive news for the reigning premiers young gun Sam De Koning has been cleared of any damage after he went down in a similar incident to Stewart on Friday night, where his knee buckled beneath him.
“Sam was able to return to the field after being treated by our staff during the game, he has been assessed by our medical team and we expect him to train and be available for selection this week,” Lloyd said.
Fellow defender Jake Kolodjashnij missed last Friday night with concussion issues continuing to keep him on the sidelines after copping a head knock in a practice match against Brisbane, he’s yet to be cleared to return.
Twitter: @krockfootball
