FULL POWER
Cats to make Ratugolea call, Port trio set to return
GEELONG tomorrow will make a call on Esava Ratugolea’s availability to take on Port Adelaide as the emerging forward continues to make a case for selection following a hamstring scare in the Round 12 win against Richmond. Ratugolea has completed two pain-free running sessions in recent days and is set to train with the Cats’ main group tomorrow, where he will need to prove his fitness in front of selectors.
The 20-year-old was a shining light against the Tigers, taking six marks and kicking two goals, and has shown positive signs since returning to the side from a week in the VFL last month.
Geelong flies to Adelaide on Friday and is set to be confronted with a near fullstrength Power outfit on Saturday night, with a trio of stars in line to be recalled to their senior side.
Key forward Charlie Dixon, veteran midfielder Brad Ebert and captain Ollie Wines (left) all got through their SANFL clash on Sunday unscathed and are expected to put their hands up to take on the Cats at Adelaide Oval this weekend.
Wines and Ebert have not played at AFL level since Round 7, while Dixon, who kicked three goals against Norwood in his second SANFL game this year, has not played senior football since fracturing his leg last season. Port Adelaide assistant coach Michael Voss said all three were pushing for a return.
“They were all pretty strong,” Voss said on SEN South Australia yesterday. “So it’s going to be a good conversation in the match committee selection, that’s for sure.
“They are all certainly putting their hand up. There are a couple of other guys like Willem Drew and (Joel) Garner, who’s been playing really well, and you can’t leave (Peter) Ladhams out of that conversation as well.
“We’re hoping obviously with the injection of these guys that they just bring a fresh level of energy for us and they’re obviously pretty important players for us.”
Voss was less buoyant about midfield bull Tom Rockliff, who will need to get through training this week to prove he has overcome a hamstring complaint.
The former Brisbane coach is hopeful a month of football at Adelaide Oval will be the catalyst for the Power to push back into the top eight, but said his team knew how big a task defeating Geelong would be.
“We’re playing pretty much the best team in the competition right now,” Voss said.
“We understand the challenge that is in front of us, we can’t ignore it, but it is a really big game to look forward to and these are the ones that you want to play in.”