Patrick Dangerfield
Geelong took a conservative approach with Dangerfield following his minor hamstring injury against Essendon in the JLT series.
Chris Scott told the media that a conservative mistake not to play Danger was better than an aggressive mistake to play him, but he looks to be tracking in the right direction for an Easter Monday return.
Timm House (16 disposals, seven marks, six rebound 50s)
With Harry Taylor under an injury cloud following an aggravation of a plantar fascia injury against the Demons, House put his hand up for an AFL debut as he was named in the best against Footscray in the VFL.
House and fellow key defender Ryan Gardner teamed up to blunt the potent Dogs forward line featuring Tom Boyd, Jack Redpath, Josh Schache and Tory Dickson.
Rhys Stanley (16 disposals, eight marks, four goals)
After pleasantly surprising the club with the speed of his return from a calf injury, Stanley was lively in the VFL, kicking four goals to be named amongst the best. A strong first-up effort that will ask the question of Chris Scott.
Nakia Cockatoo (18 disposals, five inside
The explosive fourth-year player looks to have got on top of his injury concerns, playing out the full game against the Bulldogs and kicking a goal.
Chris Scott said during the week that there was a ‘very strong case’ for Cockatoo to play in round one, so he’d have to be in the frame for selection against the Hawks.
Scott Selwood (21 disposals, nine
Scott Selwood made a successful return to the VFL and has surprised football staff with the strength of his return.
Selwood looks likely to build to full strength through the VFL for a few weeks before attempting a senior return.
Charlie Constable (AFL emergency)
Chris Scott described Constable as ‘excruciatingly close’ to selection last week, so he has to figure once again this week at the selection table.
Stewart Crameri (18 disposals, five marks, one behind)
Despite an interrupted preseason, Crameri impressed on the training track and is looking to match practice in the VFL. Will look to press his case for selection in the coming weeks.
