Geelong Cats vice-captain Tom Stewart and young key forward Phoenix Foster have both entered the AFL’s concussion protocols following their respective games over the weekend.
Stewart was subbed out of the Cats’ AFL match against Brisbane at half-time, while Foster came off the ground in the fourth quarter of Geelong’s VFL match against Brisbane.
Geelong Cats Assistant General Manager – Football Brett Johnson said the Club would assess the duo’s progress as they worked through the concussion protocols.
“We’ll assess each day how both players are tracking, and we’ll know more as they progress through the protocols around availability to play in the coming weeks. We’ll ensure Phoenix and Tom are well looked after,” Johnson said.
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In exciting news for the Cats, midfielder Cameron Guthrie has completed his rehabilitation and will be available for selection this weekend.
“Cam hasn’t missed a beat with his rehab the whole way through,” Johnson said.
“These last couple of weeks have been more about giving him that specific football conditioning at training in readiness to play, so it’s pleasing to have Cam available to play football this weekend.”
Joe Furphy (ankle) and Mitch Edwards (back) have had their expected returns to availability adjusted, as the Club takes a conservative approach in building up their training loads to give them a solid foundation when they return to play.
“There’s been no setbacks, it’s more about getting the appropriate training loads into them so we can set them up to perform really well when they play,” Johnson said.
The Cats face another big challenge this week when they take on fourth-placed Carlton.
“It’s been a really good start to the season over the first six rounds, in particular the win on the weekend in those conditions, the team adapted really well,” Johnson said.
“We’re looking forward to the challenges that lay ahead. We’ve given ourselves a good start through these first six games and hopefully can capitalise on it going forward."
Geelong takes on Carlton this Saturday at the MCG as part of the AFL’s Anzac Round, with first bounce at 4.35pm.
To mark Sam De Koning’s 50th AFL game, Cats fans can enjoy 50% off 3 Game Memberships using the code SDK50. Terms and conditions apply. Sign up as a member or secure your tickets for the Round 7 clash today.
Geelong Cats GMHBA Health Update – Round 7
Player |
Injury |
Expected return |
Tom Stewart |
Concussion |
TBC |
Phoenix Foster |
Concussion |
TBC |
Joe Furphy |
Ankle |
2 weeks |
Mitch Edwards |
Back |
3-4 weeks |