Injured Blitz in race against time for finals campaign
GEELONG will be without injured utility Mark Blicavs until the finals in a blow to its topfour aspirations.
Cats skipper Joel Selwood last night described Blicavs as “our best transition runner” after the Cats confirmed he would be out of action until September.
The important big man fractured his ankle and also suffered ligament damage during Friday night’s loss to Adelaide. Blicavs will not need surgery on the injury.
The loss of the 2015 club best-and-fairest comes as the second-placed Cats prepare for a tough run to the finals.
They will start strong favourites on Saturday against Carlton but face tough tests against Sydney, Richmond and Greater Western Sydney in the weeks ahead.
Blicavs’ injury robs Geelong of a back-up ruck option and could encourage the Cats to persist with both Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith.
Veteran defender Andrew Mackie (illness) and livewire Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) are in the mix to return for the clash with the Blues at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
“He’ll leave a hole,” Selwood said. “He’s our best transition runner, exceptional at helping out and keeping us connected across the ground.
“But we’ll get on with it and find the next one to come in who will fill the hole for a little while.”