Geelong’s preparations for this week’s highly anticipated qualifying final against Brisbane have hit a snag, with veteran ruckman Rhys Stanley potentially sidelined due to a hamstring issue. The match, set to take place Friday night at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), could see the Cats without their No.1 big man, raising concerns about their lineup.
Stanley has been notably absent from training sessions this week, fueling speculation about his availability. According to 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, the 32-year-old is managing a hamstring concern, a recurring issue for him in the past. “Speaking to four different people at Geelong, they were unable to confirm Stanley’s spot against Brisbane,” Cleary reported on The Agenda Setters. “Watch this space on Rhys Stanley with the Cats unable to guarantee he will be there on Friday night.”
Geelong’s Tactical Adjustments
The Cats released their injury update on Tuesday, conspicuously omitting any mention of Stanley. Despite his potential absence, Geelong has several options to fill the void. Versatile utility Mark Blicavs is a likely candidate to step into the ruck role, while Sam De Koning and Shannon Neale are also viable alternatives. Neale, who missed the final-round victory over Richmond due to suspension, is expected to return to the side.
Additionally, Irish player Mark O’Connor is poised for a comeback, potentially marking one of two changes to the team. Mitch Knevitt and Jed Bews are also on the brink of selection, pending any unforeseen injuries.
Max Holmes: A Tale of Resilience
Amidst the uncertainty surrounding Stanley, Geelong’s star midfielder Max Holmes is preparing for his 100th game, coincidentally against a familiar opponent in the finals. Holmes, who has faced his own challenges with hamstring injuries in previous finals series, is determined not to let past experiences affect his performance this time around.
“Actually, I think a little bit last year I did, and going into that game, I was a bit of a wreck,” Holmes admitted. “This year, I’ve been a lot more comfortable with that, and I’ve been pretty open moving into this game with how I felt last year. I feel pretty comfortable this week.”
Holmes has maintained his outstanding form this season, averaging 26.9 disposals and 619 metres gained while contributing 11 goals.
Support from Teammates
Holmes credits part of his success to the support of teammate Bailey Smith, whose arrival has helped alleviate some of the pressure. “He’s been great for my game,” Holmes said. “At the start of the year, especially considering I had a better year last year, I kind of put a lot of expectation on myself this year. And I think that was really eased by the fact that Bailey went well.”
Smith, who has been open about his mental health struggles, has found a supportive environment at Geelong. “He was real open about all the things he’s been through through his life,” Holmes recalled. “He’s been really vocal with us, and I think that was part of him thinking that we were concerned with some of the off-field antics, which wasn’t the case anyway.”
Looking Ahead
The potential absence of Rhys Stanley presents a significant challenge for Geelong as they face a formidable Brisbane team. However, the depth and adaptability of the Cats’ squad provide a silver lining. With players like Blicavs, Neale, and O’Connor ready to step up, Geelong remains a strong contender in the finals.
As the team prepares for Friday’s clash, all eyes will be on the final lineup announcement, which will determine the strategic adjustments necessary for the Cats to advance. Meanwhile, Max Holmes’ journey of resilience and growth continues to inspire, as he and his teammates aim to overcome the hurdles ahead.
