Geelong has put a line through Tom Stewart for Thursday night’s blockbuster against Carlton but is confident his knee injury won’t see him out long-term.
Stewart was one of two Cats who suffered knee injuries in innocuous incidents in Friday’s loss to the Magpies. The Cats vice-captain was subbed out at quarter time after failing an apparent fitness test, but Geelong fans may not have to wait too long to see their four-time All-Australian back on the park.
Positive Signs 🤞 Simon Lloyd gave an injury update on two Cats following Friday's clash. #OneInHoops
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) March 20, 2023
Reports have suggested it’s a three to four-week injury for Stewart, with the club’s footy boss Simon Lloyd stating as much on Monday.
“While disappointing Tom sustained an injury in last Friday night’s game, following scans it was pleasing news the injury is not severe enough to keep sidelined long term. We expect Tom to return to the line-up in the short term,” Lloyd said in a club statement.
The club says Stewart has suffered a grade 2 MCL injury.
Meanwhile, the news is more positive for fellow defender Sam De Koning. He played out the clash after going off to also receive treatment for a knee injury and won’t miss any footy.
“Sam was able to return to the field after being treated by our staff during the game, he has been assessed by our medical team and we expect him to train and be available for selection this week,” Lloyd added.
The loss to Collingwood was Geelong’s first in 17 games after claiming last year’s premiership, with Stewart’s absence playing a role in the Cats conceding 125 points.