Geelong defender Annabel Johnson faces about a month on the sidelines with a knee injury, while three other Cats are nearing their return. 

Johnson was a late withdrawal from Saturday’s clash with Sydney at North Sydney Oval with knee soreness, with Geelong Cats Head of AFLW and Football Pathways Brett Johnson expecting her back in the second half of the home and away season. 

“After further investigation of the knee, a 4–6-week rehabilitation process was decided in order for the knee issue to fully resolve and provide Annabel the best opportunity to return to full fitness for the back end of the season,” Johnson said. 

Irish recruit Anna-Rose Kennedy will be waiting a little longer to make her AFLW debut as she too works through a rehabilitation program. 

“Anna-Rose has just sustained a stress reaction in her foot, that will probably keep her from playing for 4-6 weeks,” Johnson said. 

Meanwhile, Shelley Scott, Becky Webster and Gabbi Featherston are now all “at the pointy end of their rehab” as they aim to return in the coming weeks. 

Scott (calf) is a test for this week, while Featherston (wrist) is back in football training and could be in contention for selection as early as next week, with Webster (hamstring) eyeing a return between Rounds 4 and 6.