WILL GAZZA BE FIT TO PLAY?
GEELONG superstar Gary Ablett must get through “a couple of important sessions” before he is declared fit to play GWS Giants on Friday night.
The 33-year-old took a giant stride towards getting the green light from Geelong’s medicos, completing a gruelling 10km running session on Saturday before the Cats’ loss to Sydney.
While Ablett is keen to run out against the Giants, coach Chris Scott said the Cats would not take any risks with the veteran midfielder, who suffered a hamstring injury in Geelong’s Round 3 loss to West Coast.
“If he’s absolutely right then we will play him, if there’s any doubt at all we will wait a week,” Scott said.
“(His progression has been) pretty positive. That’s the feedback I’m getting and that’s where he sits as well.
“I’m repeating myself but it’s important that it’s clear. He got to a high level pretty quickly, which speaks to a minor issue, but we’re going to be very careful.”
Ablett, who also had hamstring tightness in the lead up to Round 1, described Saturday’s running session as a “really important” one to get through.
“I’ve got a couple of important sessions next week where I need to tick a few boxes,” Ablett said at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.
“I’m confident I can get up for this week (against the Giants) if I get through those sessions, if not it will be the week after.
“Everything’s going well, the physios have done a fantastic job, hammy’s feeling nice and strong doing plenty of strengthening work in the gym and I just can’t wait to get back out there.”
The Cats are also sweating on the fitness of Brandan Parfitt, who was a late withdrawal from the team on Saturday with a foot injury.
The youngster pulled up sore late in the last quarter of Geelong’s win over Port Adelaide.
Parfitt continued to feel soreness in his foot after a running session on Tuesday and then again on Thursday.
Scans are yet to clear Parfitt of serious injury and coach Chris Scott said the club would not take any risks with his fitness.
“Sometimes they (scans) can be a little bit inconclusive these things. The scan showed something and that meant with bones in the foot … it called for caution," Scott said.
“(It’s) impossible to say if he would be available this week or if it’s long term.”
‘He got to a high level pretty quickly, which speaks to a minor issue’ CHRIS SCOTT