GEELONG is set to name star defender Corey Enright in its team to play Collingwood this weekend after scans revealed no major damage to the ankle he injured during Sunday's win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
But there's mixed news for two of the Cats' most promising youngsters.
Forward George Burbury is a good chance to line up against the Magpies after kicking two goals in a VFL practice match on the weekend, in what was his first game since breaking his jaw during the NAB Challenge.
In contrast, Billie Smedts, who suffered a leg injury in Geelong's final practice match against North Melbourne, is facing a longer than expected stint on the sidelines.
Smedts' "leg is a little bit more complicated than we had hoped", according to Cats coach Chris Scott.
"It's unfortunately one of those things where we need to be guided by his pain.
"He has had some pain that's prevented him from getting back into full training, so, as you know, we're cautious in those sorts of situations.
"It's certainly not a long-term thing, and we're confident he'll be back soon, but he's missed a little bit of footy now.
"So while we'd love to have him in our senior team, we'll just be cautious with his return to AFL level."
The news is better for Enright, who was subbed off late in the third quarter against the Lions after twisting his right ankle awkwardly in a Jordan Lisle tackle.
He wore a moon boot on the flight home from Brisbane, then had scans on Monday.
The five-time All Australian will be given until Saturday to prove his fitness.
"He's a little bit sore," Scott said. "We're some distance off making an assessment for this weekend right at the moment.
"Given he couldn't come back on the field, there's obviously some doubt there.
"It did look quite serious. It almost looked like that sort of incident had the potential to break his leg.
"But there's nothing serious like that, thank God."
Burbury impressed his coaches and teammates by playing in his typically courageous manner in the VFL.
His comeback match came just six and a half weeks after he suffered two breaks to his jaw in the opening match of the pre-season competition.
"The first contest he went for, he ran back with the flight and got shirt-fronted, which is the way he plays," Scott said.
"He bounced pretty much straight back up. It certainly didn't affect the way he approached that contest or the next one as well.
"We have little doubt that there are too many mental demons hindering Burbs."
Unlike Smedts, who has been unable to train, Burbury has been able to do plenty of work on the track in recent weeks.
"Ten days after surgery he was back in full training, virtually, so he's in very good condition," Scott said.
"We just need to work out whether we make him available for selection this week or next week, but it will be one of the two."
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