THE CATS remain positive going into this week’s home-game against Gold Coast Suns on Sunday, according to recruit Rhys Stanley.
“We’re really positive and we will take something from the fact that Sydney lost their first two games last year and ended up in the grand final,” he told the Cats’ website this week.
“When you look at the draw they were two really tough games with quality opponents [Hawthorn and Fremantle]. We’ve just got to get back to what we know and play some really good footy.”
Last Sunday’s 44-point loss to Fremantle was the big forward’s first AFL game with the Cats
“Obviously a disappointing result last week but a seven-day break and we’re really looking forward to getting out there and having another crack at it,” Stanley said.
With the loss to injury of emerging star midfielder Jaeger O’Meara and the indefinite absence of Gary Ablett, the Suns, like Geelong, are seeking a win after losing their games.
“The time is now to stand up and be counted,” Suns coach Rodney Eadie told a press conference before Wednesday’s training session.
Shoulder surgery last July has left Ablett struggling in the first two rounds of this season. Suns medical staff have warned his shoulder is unlikely to strengthen without rest.
“Ablett would definitely miss this week and possibly more,” club general manager Marcus Ashcroft said.
“We haven’t put a definitive timeline on that – we’ll play it week by week.”
The Cats will also be down a key player this week as premiership defender Andrew Mackie misses the game with a quad strain.
“He had some quad tightness toward the end of the Fremantle game last week and scans this week have shown there’s a small quad strain, so he’ll go into a short stint of rehab,“ physio Mark Young told Cat’s TV.
The club has put forward Lincoln McCarthy on its long-term injury list while he recovers from surgery on his troublesome left foot.
The Cats expect McCarthy to be sidelined for as long as five months. The 21-year-old has played five AFL games since his debut in 2012.
Club selectors now have the option of upgrading a rookie-listed player to the senior list.
