Geelong prepares to face Carlton with Sam De Koning as Tom Stewart sidelined

One of the toughest tests in footy awaits Geelong this week up against two Coleman medallists and the club had given the latest on where two of its best defenders are at.

Tom Stewart has avoided serious injury. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Geelong is expecting Sam De Koning to take one of two big defensive jobs against Carlton on Thursday night while Tom Stewart could be back within a few weeks after both Cats had their knees assessed.

Stewart sent a shudder through the Geelong camp when he went down on the MCG turf clutching at his right knee early in the loss to Collingwood on Friday night.

Stewart left the MCG in a brace. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The four-time All-Australian has been diagnosed with a grade two medial collateral ligament (MCL) strain.

After Thursday’s game, the Cats have a 10-day break before a Sunday fixture against Gold Coast and then an eight-day turnaround before the traditional Easter Monday clash with Hawthorn, giving Stewart a chance to return for either of those games.

“Following scans it was pleasing news the injury (to Stewart) is not severe enough to keep him sidelined long term,” Geelong footy boss Simon Lloyd said.

“We expect Tom to return to the line-up in the short term.”

De Koning jarred his right knee while running backwards by himself in the second quarter on Friday night, with coach Chris Scott revealing post-match he had suffered an injury to the same knee last month.

Sam De Koning had his right knee heavily strapped. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

But the big man is set to train on Tuesday and looks likely to be passed fit to tackle Coleman medallists Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay in what looms as a belter this week.

“We expect him to train and be available,” Lloyd said of De Koning.

Tyson Stengle jarred his ankle under a tackle in the first half on Friday night and when copped a heavy collision when Jeremy Howe fractured his arm, but he appears to have escaped injury.

Key forward Tom Hawkins played out the Magpies match despite picking up knocks on his knee and right calf.

The Cats are unlikely to call upon Jake Kolodjashnij (concussion) to fill Stewart’s hole after Scott said the defender was eyeing a round 3 return.

Recruit Jack Bowes (calf) is set to play his first game for Geelong after stepping out in a VFL practice match on Saturday, while young defender Cooper Whyte could come under consideration for his AFL debut.

Originally published as Geelong prepares to face Carlton with Sam De Koning as Tom Stewart sidelined