GEELONG is set to make at least one change when it announces its team on Thursday evening ahead of the highly anticipated preliminary final with Melbourne on Friday night at Optus Stadium from 7.50pm AEST.
The Club confirmed on Monday that Brandan Parfitt has been ruled out of the final series after scans confirmed a high-grade hamstring tear.
The 23-year-old has been a consistent player for the Cats this season averaging 19 disposals per game.
Parfitt leads the club in average pressure acts (20.2) and tackles (5.6), and features in the top five for contested possessions (7.8) and clearances (3.2) per game.
His ability to win the football, apply pressure, and quick feet in and around the stoppages will make him a hard player to replace.
On this week’s episode of the ‘To the Final Bell’ podcast, Cameron Ling and Scott Gullan shared their thoughts on who they would consider recalling to replace Parfitt.
“Is it the man that was recently managed Shaun Higgins, is it Zach Guthrie who was the medical sub or is it sparkle Narkle,” Ling asked his co-host on Geelong’s official podcast.
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Gullan thinks Quinton Narkle is a clear contender but also added that last week’s two omissions would be in the mix too.
“Inside mid, ball magnet just like Parfitt. He doesn’t bring the defensive pressure, but he brings a body in there. Melbourne has got a fleet of inside mids. I like him and he needs to be in there,” Gullan said.
“You’ve also got Sam Simpson and Luke Dahlhaus who were dropped last week.”
