Tall order as Cats gun ruled out

GEELONG will be without injured utility Mark Blicavs until the finals in a blow to its top-four aspirations.

The important big man fractured his ankle and also suffered ligament damage during last Friday night’s loss to Adelaide.

Blicavs will be given time for his ankle to heal without undergoing surgery and won’t be available until September.

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 it 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. HAWTHORN is confident prized recruit Jaeger O’Meara will make his return in coming weeks after a strong rehabilitation period.

O’Meara has managed just four games in his first season with the Hawks, with his last appearance coming in round six. The 23-year-old has struggled with persistent knee issues but appears set to play again this season, despite Hawthorn being effectively out of the finals race.