Guthrie in doubt as Cats mull extra tall
Mar 29, 2017 - 4:48 AM Geelong will consider fielding a taller lineup against North Melbourne on Sunday but are unlikely to risk important midfielder Cam Guthrie.Guthrie is battling a calf injury which sidelined him for the Cats' opening-round AFL thrashing of Fremantle.
The 24-year-old finished fourth in the Cats' best and fairest count last year and has become an important contributor alongside stars Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood.
Geelong coach Chris Scott is reluctant to risk Guthrie, who also suffered a minor ankle issue during the pre-season.
"I think he'd be unlikely," Scott said on Wednesday.
"It's still early in the week, early in our preparations so it's hard to get clarity.
"One thing's for sure, we will be really conservative with him. He has had a couple of minor issues but it's two in a month now.
"He's been a very, very good player for us and we need to make sure that when he comes back, he's ready to perform at 100 per cent. That involves conditioning as well given he's missed a fair portion of training."
Ruckman Zac Smith is likely to be available after missing the Dockers game with soreness, raising the prospect he could line up alongside Rhys Stanley and Mark Blicavs to combat the Kangaroos' brigade of talls.
North will be without Jarrad Waite (shoulder) but Majak Daw is a chance to join fellow big men Todd Goldstein, Braydon Preuss and Ben Brown.
Scott said the AFL's new "no third-man up" rule would not have a bearing on the decision to play three talls.
"We did all of last year virtually. I think the results suggests it's effective," Scott said.
"Now the stoppage is a bit more stable it gives us some different looks, with Mark and his height and reach around the stoppage at ground level still an asset for us.
"He's the best transition runner we have in our team by far. That's without even talking about what he could give us in our back half as well, so we think we've got options with him."
Geelong will start comfortable favourites in Sunday's game but Scott said the rebuilding Kangaroos should not be underestimated.
"They looked to have West Coast, who I think are probably the best team in the competition at the moment, on the ropes early in the game on the weekend," he said.
"They're missing some personnel when you compare them to last year but clearly their football at times this year has been at a high level."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Selwood, Taylor get new deals with Cats Dec 22
- No forward thinking for Cats with Ablett Dec 18
- Cats tab Crameri for key AFL forward post Dec 1
- Ablett to wear No.4 at Geelong Nov 30
- Crameri plans instant AFL impact for Cats Nov 27
- Gary Ablett praises famous dad's support Nov 8
- Ablett thrilled to be back at the Cats Nov 8
- Geelong forward Menzel signs new AFL deal Oct 26
- Cats' chief Cook signs new deal until 2020 Oct 24
- Emotional Ablett set for Geelong return Oct 19
- Dangerfield likes sound of Watts AFL move Oct 6
- Mackie says Cats will bounce back in AFL Sep 23