Dangerfield Poised for Hawthorn Showdown as Cats Navigate Injury Concerns
Geelong coach Chris Scott is optimistic that skipper Patrick Dangerfield will be fit to face arch-rivals Hawthorn in their upcoming blockbuster clash. Dangerfield was sidelined for the Cats’ hard-fought victory over Adelaide on Thursday night due to a calf strain, a recurrence of an injury that troubled him during the pre-season.
The potential return of Dangerfield, who was instrumental in Geelong’s dominant preliminary final win against Hawthorn last year with an outstanding performance of 31 disposals, three goals, and eight clearances, would be a significant boost and a timely injection of form for the team.
With a more than ten-day break leading up to the Easter Monday fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Scott addressed the possibility of his captain’s return. “I think so … yeah, that would be kind of my assumption,” he stated. However, he also emphasised the club’s rigorous approach to player fitness. “But if you look at our history with him, he will be absolutely cherry-ripe to play his absolute best and not compromise anything for later in the year, or we won’t play him,” Scott explained. He further elaborated, “If you had to lean one way or the other, I’d say it’s likely that he’ll play, but without that being a guarantee.”
Strategic VFL Stint for Brad Close
In a move that surprised some, the Cats opted to send Brad Close to the VFL, despite their narrow win. Scott clarified that this decision was not a reflection of Close’s form but rather a strategic move to enhance his physical conditioning.
“It’s very similar to Patrick in that he just had some interruptions in the pre-season we felt we wanted to manage – and there’s a couple of guys in this boat as well,” Scott revealed. He acknowledged the unusual start to the season, with extended breaks impacting player preparation. “We were really clear that we had some long breaks and it was a bit of an unusual start to the year. That can create some challenges, but it creates some opportunities as well.”
Scott reiterated that Close’s VFL appearance was primarily about rebuilding his physical base. “Closey, he’ll get some VFL time, but this was more a ‘let’s get him back to his best physically’ rather than a form thing. In fact, I’m happy to say it’s not a form thing.”
The Pace of the Modern Game and Soft-Tissue Injuries
The heightened intensity and rapid pace of games this season, partly attributed to rule adjustments, have coincided with an observed increase in soft-tissue injuries among players. Scott acknowledged the swift nature of play, noting it as a trend that has been developing over recent seasons.
“There is no doubt that the demands on players mean that if you take guys in underdone, you’d want to have a pretty good plan to get them through,” he commented. Scott also pointed to the advantage of having five players on the bench, which can assist in managing player workload and mitigating fatigue-related injuries.
The Geelong Football Club, like many others, is meticulously managing its playing list to ensure peak performance and minimise injury risks throughout the demanding AFL season. The club’s proactive approach to player management, balancing immediate game needs with long-term fitness, will be crucial as they aim for sustained success. The upcoming clash against Hawthorn will undoubtedly test their strategies and the resilience of their squad.
