By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Do you want the good news or the bad news?
That seems to be the trend of the season for Cats coach Chris Scott, this week dealing with positive comebacks like Travis Varcoe yet facing another Steve Johnson suspension.
Geelong’s fortunes have been mixed all year, with good news balanced by bad.
Some of the good news stories have been Mark Blicavs, beating Hawthorn twice, sitting on a 13-2 will-loss record and the development of the young brigade.
The downers have been Paul Chapman’s long-term injury, Steve Johnson’s suspensions, inconsistency, depleted ruck stocks and absence to a large degree of recruits Hamish McIntosh and Jared Rivers.
The mind-numbing incident that left respected VFL and local league footballer Casey Tutungi a quadriplegic is at the top of the list, with the club swinging into action to help fundraising efforts.
Gate receipts from Friday night’s VFL game against Collingwood will be donated, with the Cats also offering major fundraising incentives for local clubs and signed memorabilia expected to generate around $100,000.
Scott gave an indication of his vexation with the Stevie J situation this week.
“It’s frustrating for all of us, it’s frustrating for our supporters. He will need to adjust, he’s not in denial.”
Scott did reveal he was looking forward settling the ups and down in the run to the finals and was happier canvassing Paul Chapman’s return this week through the VFL.
“Chappy will play two or three quarters, it’s more match practice, and then we’ll discuss his program in more detail,” he said.
“(His situation) is much more positive than at any stage this season. There’s plenty of time to come back in.
“We’ll pick the best team for the finals based on a whole number of factors and on merit.
“Chappy’s history will count for a little bit but it will only be a little bit.
“We’ve got some young players who are playing well at AFL level and we’ve got to make sure we’re not blinded by the big names when we decide who’s the best value to the team in that moment.”
That could mean further “player management” for the likes of Corey Enright (foot) and Mathew Stokes (groin), facing assessments before Sunday’s late-afternoon game against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
Stokes is managing chronic groin issues, described by Scott as minor but persistent, while Enright has plantar fascia issues.
Onballer Allen Christensen is expected to miss another game with a hamstring problem.
Scott said Nathan Vardy could be rushed back despite missing match hardening last week with a VFL bye.
Adelaide will be without a prime mover in Patrick Dangerfield, affecting a midfield that has been down on output this season.
But the best news for the Cats is that four of the remaining games are in the comfy confines of home.
