Geelong Football Club is reeling from major injury issues just a week out from their round one clash with Gold Coast. Star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield is still in serious doubt for the game with a calf injury. Though the team can only look ahead to the highly anticipated game on Friday, Dangerfield is racing against time to be back.
Beyond Dangerfield’s uncertain status, Geelong has significant injury issues to contend with. Star Jeremy Cameron, who broke his arm in last year’s grand final, has been dealing with a quad and hip issue. Even with these issues, he’s still projected to be on the field come Week 1. Coach Chris Scott expressed confidence in Cameron’s physical readiness, stating, “Jeremy and Bailey will clearly be ready from a physical perspective and they’ll play.”
Bailey Smith was included in the starting lineup despite not even being able to run at training last week due to a calf strain. As for Gryan Miers, he got medical clearance for his thumbs surgery procedure but may still not play anyway.
“He’s got a big cast on at the moment; it looks ridiculous, like he’s got a broken arm but it’s just a knuckle,” said Touk Miller regarding Miers. Delighted that Miers is back at practice, Miller gushed. As he said, “He’s already got the joint under his belt, he’s already out on the field catching footys … he can’t escape it.
Gold Coast has their own challenges. They need to be in the right mindset and fully prepared for the battle to come. They will be without Jed Walter, who is serving a one-week suspension after impressing with two early goals against the Lions. His absence places even more pressure on a once strong Gold Coast roster. They very well might, and they’re certainly intent on reloading after a difficult summer sidelined with injuries.
Geelong’s injury woes have become a focal point as they aim to start the season strong against what Scott describes as “the last two grand finalists (in successive weeks).” He added, “You’ve got to be at your best; we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
Both Geelong and Gold Coast are dealing with devastating health crises to star players. The potential clash of the titans will serve as a great test of depth and resilience for both teams.
