Geelong’s AFLW team is set to face St Kilda in a match simulation on Saturday as preparations ramp up for the Cats’ season-opener against North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos on Saturday 16 August at GMHBA Stadium at 3.35pm.  

Geelong Cats Head of AFLW Dominique Condo can provide the below health updates on the following players.  

Unavailable 

Rachel Kearns 
Ankle, 1 week

Rachel injured her right syndesmosis early in the pre-season and she has made good progress following surgery and is expected to feature next week against the Gold Coast Suns.   

Amy McDonald 
Foot, 1 week

Amy has been on a managed pre-season program after experiencing a stress response in her right foot. Her loads have increased in recent weeks, and we expect her to be available next week for our practice match against the Suns. 

Erica Fowler 
Chest, TBC

Erica has suffered a chest contusion and is undergoing further assessment. We will have more of an idea on her return to play in the coming week. 

Gabbi Featherston 
Hamstring, 4-5 weeks

Unfortunately, Gabbi sustained a right hamstring strain earlier this pre-season but is progressing well through her rehabilitation program. At this stage, we expect her to be available for selection ahead of our Round 2 match against Adelaide. 

Sienna Tallariti 
Ankle, 5-6 weeks 

Sienna has suffered a right syndesmosis injury in the pre-season and has had surgery. We expect her to miss the early stages of the season, return around the mid-season mark. 

Caitie Tipping 
Knee, 6-8 weeks

Caitie sustained a left medial patellofemoral ligament injury during the Round 1 VFLW game earlier this year. In positive news, she has been able to avoid surgery and is expected to return to running in the next week. She will miss the early rounds of the season and be available for selection mid-season. 

Chloe Scheer 
Knee, Indefinite 

Chloe has recently undergone an arthroscopy on her left knee. She has commenced a rehabilitation program and as her recovery continues, we will gain a clearer understanding of a return-to-play timeline. Unfortunately, we don’t expect Chloe to feature in the early stages of the season.