ROHAN READY FOR RICHMOND: SCOTT

AFL: Geelong coach Chris Scott says he expects to have forward Gary Rohan available for Friday night’s preliminary final against Richmond.

Rohan missed last weekend’s semi-final win after hurting his knee in the Cats’ qualifying final loss to Collingwood.

The former Swan was taking part in running drills at GMHBA Stadium yesterday morning, before Scott said he expected to have him available for selection.

“It looks to us like Gary Rohan will be available,” he said.

“But obviously pending training over the next few couple of days.

“I don’t think he’s a lock to play but we’ve got optimism.

“It’s progressing pretty well.”

The possible inclusion of Rohan is set to come at the expense of star forward Tom Hawkins, who will miss the preliminary final through suspension. Although, Scott said it was not a straight swap. “I’m not sure that’s a like for like replacement,” he said.

“I’m not saying Gary is available, we’re just optimistic.

“Does it soften the play? I wouldn’t put it in those terms.

“We don’t have a Tom Hawkins replacement so we’ll be different, but different is not necessarily worse.”

Mitch Duncan will miss the preliminary final, but Scott did not rule him out beyond that.

“He won’t be available again but we’re optimistic if we’re good enough that there’s some possibility there for the following week,” he said.

Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Atkins and Brandan Parfitt all did not train yesterday morning, but Scott stressed they were all on individualised programs and would face the Tigers.