AFL injury news: Geelong expected to regain three key players for Bombers blockbuster

Geelong is expected to regain three key players for its blockbuster clash with Essendon, including arguably its biggest star. But a midfielder has suffered a blow.

Jeremy Cameron celebrates a goal. Picture: Getty Images

Geelong will receive a major boost for its blockbuster clash against Essendon on Saturday night, with Jeremy Cameron, Isaac Smith and Jake Kolodjashnij expected to face the Bombers.

Cameron was left out of Sunday’s win over North Melbourne after failing to recover from his concussion sustained against Sydney in round 16, but the Cats are pleased with his progress.

The spearhead completed a big session on the track on Tuesday along with Norm Smith medallist Smith, who was managed for the Roos clash, and Kolodjashnij (adductor).

The Bombers’ defence struggled against the might of Cameron and Tom Hawkins in round seven, with the pair bagging 11 goals between them.

Defender Jed Bews is set to miss another week with a minor knee injury but completed a significant block of running at training.

om Hawkins and Jeremy Cameron were unstoppable last time against the Bombers. Picture: Getty Images

It comes as fringe midfielder Brandon Parfitt will be sidelined for up to a fortnight after suffering a hand injury in a tackling incident in the VFL.

Cats football boss Simon Lloyd said Cameron will continue to be assessed by their medical team but is tipped to return.

“We expect Isaac Smith, Jake Kolodjashnij and Jeremy Cameron, all three to be available this week against the Bombers which should be a good game,” Lloyd said.

“Jezza is tracking really well, obviously as Chris Scott has mentioned we will be guided by our medical team. He has had a couple of big training sessions and he is looking good.

“Unfortunately Brandon Parfitt injured his hand in a tackling incident in the VFL game on the weekend, he had surgery this morning and should be a 1-2 week injury so he’s fairly positive. It is a slight interruption but hopefully he is back in no time.

“Jed Bews came out with a knee injury so will be 1 more week, really making sure that that gets right and he is doing a lot of running at the moment.”

Important midfielder Cam Guthrie and young gun Jhye Clark have continued to make progress from their respective foot injuries.

“Jhye Clark and Cam Guthrie are returning from foot injuries, and both are now doing a lot of weight-bearing work and going through their reconditioning program, so they’re tracking really well, which is positive,” he said.

Originally published as AFL injury news: Geelong expected to regain three key players for Bombers blockbuster