Geelong’s Mitch Duncan in doubt for round 1 due to calf injury

With Jack Henry ruled out of round 1, another experienced head could follow as the Cat runs his way through a minor setback.

Mitch Duncan is taking it easy only weeks from round 1 due to a calf injury. Picture: Mark Stewart

Geelong veteran Mitch Duncan is in doubt for round 1 as the Cats commit to “taking our time” with a calf setback.

The reliable utility first suffered the minor calf injury in early February and was left off the team sheet as Geelong comfortably accounted for Hawthorn in match simulation on Thursday.

The 258-game Cat was on the track on Monday morning running laps alongside youngster Jhye Clark.

Mitch Duncan is battling a calf issue. Picture: Alan Barber

He also skipped round 1 in 2022 with a calf complaint but hardly missed a beat for the remainder of the campaign, playing 22 matches in Geelong’s premiership year.

Defender Jack Henry will not face Collingwood in the opening round blockbuster on March 17, after he underwent foot surgery on Tuesday.

The swingman flew up to Queensland to see a specialist on Monday afternoon after injuring his foot against the Hawks last week and will miss several rounds to start the 2023 season.

The length of Henry’s absence will be clearer once he is on his feet again, with the Cats set to be ultra-cautious with the 24-year-old after he suffered two other injuries on the same left foot last year.

Henry lined up at full-forward against Hawthorn, with Geelong to spend the next two weeks considering how to construct its forward line alongside Jeremy Cameron after Ollie Henry impressed the coaches with four goals against the Hawks.

Jack Henry was due for surgery on Tuesday. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Gary Rohan could join the pair up forward, while the Cats also threw Sam De Koning forward for a period on Thursday.

Duncan will not be on the plane to Queensland on Wednesday as the Cats head north before Thursday’s practice match against the Brisbane Lions.

“I know late last Friday (Duncan) run 7-8km, so this was weeks ago he had a minor issue that we are taking our time with,” Geelong football manager Simon Lloyd said.

The Cats are set to leave some experienced heads off the teamsheet for the Lions clash as they give other players a chance to push a case to play against the Magpies.

“There will be some players we are looking after leading into round 1 and they will get what they need out of training heading into round 1,” Lloyd said.

“There are others we will get the time in to this Thursday night.”

Originally published as Geelong’s Mitch Duncan in doubt for round 1 due to calf injury