IN-FORM ruck Rhys Stanley has avoided serious injury and will be sidelined for the medium term after injuring his knee during Saturday night’s win over the Power.
Stanley’s absence will create selection questions for Chris Scott and the Cats selection panel, with Jonathon Ceglar, Esava Ratugolea and Toby Conway all options to take the place of the in-form ruck.
“Rhys sustained a right knee injury during Saturday’s match against Port Adelaide and was subbed out of the game at half time,” head of medical and conditioning services Harry Taylor says.
"In some positive news, scans showed only a minor cartilage injury and some bone bruising, with Rhys expected to be sidelined only in the medium term."
Stanley was leading the game with eight clearances, 16 hit-outs and 12 disposals at the time of the injury.
His recently re-signed protegee Toby Conway is available to return this weekend after exiting concussion protocols during the VFL bye week.
Midfield running machine Sam Menegola will be hoping to raise his hand to take on the Bulldogs after suffering a concussion against Carlton in Round 18.
“Sam is progressing through the AFL concussion protocol and will be a test later this week to determine his availability,” Taylor says.
Young forward Francis Evans could also be a chance to take the field this weekend.
“Francis is progressing well, following an MCL injury sustained in the VFL against the Casey Demons,” Taylor says.
“Francis will be a test later this week to determine his availability.”
First-year midfielder Flynn Kroeger has been ruled out for the remainder of the season.
The Eastern Ranges product has battled hip, hand and knee issues in his first year at the club, as well as a recent bout of glandular fever.
“Flynn is having surgery on his knee this week in the hope of fixing a persistent injury that he has had for much of the season,” Taylor says.
“Flynn will undergo a specific reconditioning plan post his surgery that gives him a great chance of completing a strong off-season program.”
Shaun Higgins (knee) and Cooper Whyte (groin) remain unavailable for selection.
