Geelong’s plan to fast-track Harry Taylor’s development as a forward has hit a speed hump, with defender Jared Rivers to miss several weeks of AFL action with another knee injury.
Rivers – who joined Geelong from Melbourne as a free agent in the off-season – suffered his second knee problem of the year during Saturday night’s win over the Western Bulldogs.
The Cats’ medicos were initially hopeful the 28-year-old would be fit to take on Richmond this weekend.
But a more detailed examination has revealed Rivers suffered cartilage damage.
“The medical staff thought it was a slight medial but it was more painful than they would expect with that sort of injury,” coach Chris Scott said on Tuesday.
“He’s going to miss at least a few weeks and maybe more.
“That’s unfortunate, because he’s had a bad run.”
Midfielder Josh Caddy (concussion) is in doubt for the MCG clash against the Tigers, but multiple premiership-winning stars Tom Hawkins (back soreness) and Paul Chapman (hamstring) are almost certain to return.
The Cats have been keen to experiment with the versatile Taylor in attack this season, a decision which reaped a five-goal haul for the All-Australian backman against the Bulldogs.
But Rivers’ absence may see Taylor sent back to defence against the Tigers, who have used Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane as a three-pronged tall forward set-up with some success this year.
“We’re on record as saying we’d like to play Harry forward, so having more defenders available would certainly help that,” said Scott.
“The Rivers’ injury is a bit of an impediment .
“But we have got others who can come in and play both ends as well.
“We spent a bit of time in the pre-season training James Podsiadly as a defender and Mitch Brown forward and back as well.
“With the few exceptions like Hawkins, that’s the way we train our key-position players – to play at both ends.
“Harry just fits into that nicely.”