Geelong’s Coach Expresses Confidence in Patrick Dangerfield
Geelong coach Chris Scott has expressed his full support for captain Patrick Dangerfield to take part in a rare five-day break before the Cats’ grand final rematch against Brisbane. The 36-year-old player has been carefully managing his body in recent years, missing three matches earlier in the season due to a calf injury. However, Dangerfield showed his determination by booting two goals in the Cats’ impressive 18.14 (122) to 9.14 (68) victory over Collingwood on Saturday night.
The 2016 Brownlow medallist is eager to make an exception and play against the Lions on Thursday night. This will be Geelong’s first game against Brisbane since being defeated in last year’s grand final. When asked about Dangerfield’s participation, Scott said: “I’m emphatic, because I spoke to him late in the game. It’s an indication of how little control I have over these things. He said he’s playing, so he’s playing.”
Potential Return of Gryan Miers
In addition to Dangerfield’s potential return, Geelong could also welcome back dynamic premiership player Gryan Miers. Miers made a successful return to the VFL on Saturday despite having damage to his ACL. Scott shared his thoughts on the player’s progress, stating: “I’d have to spend a little more time with our medical staff and high-performance staff to give you an accurate answer, but the feedback I’ve got so far is that the signs are good.”
Strong Performance and Team Momentum
Geelong’s strong performance against Collingwood helped them jump to fifth place in the league. They have recovered well after a shock loss to Port Adelaide, winning their last two matches. This win was particularly significant as it came during the 200th game of five-time All-Australian defender Tom Stewart.
Tom Stewart’s Remarkable Journey
Stewart, who didn’t debut until he was 24, has become one of the defenders of his generation. Scott praised Stewart’s journey, saying: “He was a talented 18, 19-year-old that didn’t love the game that much and, for some reason, he managed to love it again and is treating every moment like it is his last.”
Scott continued: “It’s just another reminder of how lucky we are to cross paths with players like that.” This sentiment highlights the deep respect and appreciation the coaching staff has for Stewart’s dedication and resilience throughout his career.
