Geelong’s raft of tall timber will stand it in good stead after forward Mitch Clark suffered a setback in his recovery from a calf injury.
Clark, who originally suffered the injury in January and was on track to resume playing around the start of the season, will now have a delayed start to the 2016 AFL season.
Clark posted on social media that he was “shattered” at the injury news.
“Shattered that my body has let me down once again,” he posted.
“I know some of you are saying ‘here we go again’ and ‘just give up’ but I refuse to accept that this is it.
“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity that the @geelongcats have given me and the huge amount of support not only the club but the supporters have shown me.
“I will continue to do whatever it takes to get back out there with the boys and do what I love most.”
Geelong Cats’ general manager of football Steve Hocking said the injury was frustrating for Mitch and for the club.
“But we expect that he will continue to rehab the injury and be available early in the season,” Hocking said.
“Mitch has had a solid preseason and has put a lot of work in through the summer.
“His recovery was on track before this setback, and he will continue to work hard to get back on the field with his teammates.”
A calf muscle injury also restricted Clark to eight senior games after returning from retirement last season.
