’DANGER’ IN DOUBT FOR CATS

PATRICK Dangerfield has limped from the ground during Geelong’s four-point AFL preseason loss to Essendon in Colac, casting doubt on his availability for round one.

The 2016 Brownlow Medallist pulled up sore at the end of his kicking action late in the first quarter and immediately headed for the Geelong rooms.

Dangerfield played no further part in the game as the Bombers ran out 15.11 (101) to 15.7 (97) winners in front of a 9115-strong crowd at Central Reserve. The injury leaves the Cats facing the prospect of being without Dangerfield and fellow superstar Gary Ablett for their opening-round clash with Melbourne on March 25.

Ablett played no part in either of the Cats’ trial matches after suffering a hamstring strain at training last month.

Dangerfield has only missed one of 49 possible matches during his two years with the Cats.

In another injury blow for Geelong, ruckman Rhys Stanley left the ground early yesterday with a suspected calf injury.

Essendon also have injury concerns after defender Martin Gleeson was carried off in the fourth quarter with a knee issue.

Aided by a strong breeze, the Bombers kicked four straight goals to open the final term and snatched a matchwinning lead through Jake Long in the dying minutes.

Star recruit Jake Stringer impressed for the Bombers.