Cats’ list close to full strength
GEELONG coach Chris Scott feels like the Cats are almost over “a hump” with their injury problems.
Rising star Brandan Parfitt, who was yesterday taken off the long-term injury list, is on the verge of returning to the VFL after overcoming a hamstring tear.
Jordan Cunico (ankle) and Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) are also close to full fitness, while Lachie Henderson and Zac Smith were also named in Geelong’s team last night after overcoming minor injuries that kept them out of last Sun- day’s narrow win over Fremantle.
Cunico was selected in Geelong’s team to play the Dockers but was a late withdrawal after rolling his ankle.
Scott admitted Cunico was going through a “frustrating” patch.
“It’s frustrating one for Jordan, especially in the context of a player who made his debut a couple of weeks ago, acquitted himself really well, was unfortunate to get squeezed out of the side next week, earnt his selection after that, and then rolled his ankle two days before the game at training,” Scott said.
“We thought it was minor, but it just hasn’t responded to treatment as we would have liked.
“I think I can say confidently, he would have been in our 22 this week, but he’s just unavailable.
“He’s only missed one game, but he’s already missed a couple he would have selected for.”
Sneaky forward Lincoln McCarthy is progressing well from a groin injury as well.
Scott also revealed defender Tom Stewart came through an operation on his fractured eye socket well. But there is no time frame for his return.
“It certainly wasn’t a situation where it was very minor and he’d be available in a week or two,” Scott said. “It’s going to be a little bit longer than that, but it’s a really broad time frame unfortunately.
“There hasn’t been anything to suggest that it’s going to be much longer than we had of hoped.”