Geelong are weighing up multiple replacements for Rhys Stanley as the first-choice ruckman battles a minor groin complaint that could sideline him for Sunday’s AFL clash with Essendon.
Out-of-favour ruck-forward Esava Ratugolea is a chance to be recalled, with Darcy Fort and former Adelaide key forward Josh Jenkins also in the mix.
Stanley was on light duties at training on Tuesday and will need to prove his fitness later in the week.
“He did a little bit this morning but not enough to tell whether he’s on the right track or not,” Geelong coach Chris Scott said.
“That decision will be delayed … but he would need to be able to train uninhibited a day or two before the game.
“If he does miss this week it’s on that threshold, as opposed to being any longer than that.”
Ratugolea has played 10 games this season but has been picked only once in the last month, against Adelaide in round 13.
The 197cm target missed last week’s win over the Western Bulldogs as the Cats opted for a smaller forward line in support of spearhead Tom Hawkins, with Stanley and Mark Blicavs splitting ruck duties.
But Scott was buoyed by Ratugolea’s form in a reserves scratch match against the Bulldogs and remains an “unabashed fan” of the developing 22-year-old.
“He’s been a very good player for us at a very early stage of a key forward’s life and I think he’ll get better and better,” Scott said.
“Very few players in our team, if any, have got the right to a spot in the team irrespective of circumstances.
“So I’m still really optimistic that we could be a better side with Esava in it, but I may be wrong.”
Scott said Joel Selwood is still no certainty to return against Essendon as the captain battles a lingering knee complaint.
The Cats will take a cautious approach with Selwood ahead of the finals.
Meanwhile, Nakia Cockatoo may not make his long-awaited AFL return this season because of family reasons.
The skilful 23-year-old speedster, whose partner is pregnant, has not played a senior match since April 2018 due to a succession of injury setbacks.
