Geelong will give concussed skipper Joel Selwood until game day to prove he is fit to take on Greater Western Sydney in Saturday’s AFL clash.
Selwood was knocked out in a clash of heads with Fremantle’s Hayden Ballantyne in the first minute of the Cats’ thrilling two-point win at Simonds Stadium and did not return.
Geelong are faced with a six-day break before they take on the ladder leaders at Spotless Stadium, but coach Chris Scott is quietly confident his captain will be available for the much-anticipated clash.
“While the indications are really good it’s not a situation where you can say he’s definitely going to play until the last minute,” Scott told reporters on Thursday.
“We’re still optimistic, he’ll be picked in our squad, but until I hear from our doctors (about) 24 hours before game time I won’t know myself.
“The physical side of things has gone well. He’s been able to move around and do things (at training) but that doesn’t really form part of the definitive test.”
Earlier in the week, Scott was at pains to dispel the misconception that Selwood has suffered many concussions over the course of his 241-game career, with his last concussion only his third in total.
Defender Tom Stewart has undergone successful surgery on a facial fracture suffered against the Dockers, but the Cats are unable to give a definitive date for his return.
Lachie Henderson (groin) and Zac Smith (illness) didn’t play against Fremantle but will return to the face the Giants.
Third-placed Geelong would draw level with GWS on 10 wins if they can overcome Leon Cameron’s side, which is easier said than done on their home patch.
“Unfortunately we expect them to probably play like the best team in the comp that’s sitting on top of the ladder,” Scott said.
“You can sit back and hope that they’re not going to play that way but I think that would be a mistake.
“But having said that they’re probably similar to other teams towards the top of the ladder; I don’t think anyone’s watching them and think that they’re unbeatable.”
Cat
Roar Guru
Be funnier if the reason was (elbow)
Mattician6x6
Guest
Will be interesting to see what happens, looks like we took it to tribunal just to drop Schofield. Thought that might happen but still amusing.
Cat
Roar Guru
For what it's worth Joel named on the ground and only mid named as emergency should he miss is Sam Simpson who even I know nothing about, other than 0 afl games. Our midfield injury list is bad now.
Cat
Roar Guru
He was out cold but he also jogged off the ground on his own and was seen in the coaches box after halftime trying to teach Chris Scott how to coach so it would seem he had his wits about him quick enough. All reports have been he has had no after effects. Believe it or not it's also only his third documented concussion. I just hope there isn't another any time soon
Mattician6x6
Guest
It hurts me to say he is fantastic and toughest on baller for his generation. I agree that it should be automatic week off risk factors are too high. Only reason I question whether he will get up was it was a massive collision and he was out cold for a few minutes.
Cat
Roar Guru
I've no idea if he will play but I guarantee you if he passes all the concussion protocol tests he will play. If he fails them he won't. I still think any player knocked out on the field should automatically be ruled out the following week regardless, but until and unless the rules change players will have the chance to return straight away. I'd rather he sat out a game even if it nearly guarantees a loss but Joel will never back down if the doctors allow him to play, he'll put his head over the ball and contest every ball he can.
Mattician6x6
Guest
If selwood plays cat I will buy you a coke.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Do you truly see that happening?? Not questioning selwood toughness etc but he won't play, tell you what cat if I'm wrong I'll buy you a coke.
Cat
Roar Guru
If he passes the concussion tests, he'll play. If he doesn't, he won't. It really is that simple.
Mattician6x6
Guest
Maybe a few years ago you'd say selwood to play, bit not now with the evidence etc the medical staff have. Nice of Chris Scott to add the token its selwoods call but we all know that that's a crocker Barry.