Nina Morrison may miss Saturday’s AFLW clash with West Coast, while Amy McDonald will challenge ban

A star Cat may miss Saturday’s game against West Coast after having surgery, while another is set to make an unlikely return from shoulder surgery.

WARRNAMBOOL, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 09: Amy McDonald of Geelong runs with the ball during the round seven AFLW match between the Essendon Bombers and the Geelong Cats at Reid Oval on October 09, 2022 in Warrnambool, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Geelong star Nina Morrison is under an injury cloud as the Cats prepare for a highly-anticipated clash with West Coast.

The hard-nosed midfielder underwent a successful surgery on Tuesday afternoon for an open dislocation of her finger.

Nina Morrison is under an injury cloud ahead of Geelong’s clash with West Coast. Picture: Darrian Traynor

There is a chance of infection at the site of the injury, with an open dislocation piercing the skin and potentially damaging the ligaments surrounding the joint.

The Cats have not confirmed Morrison’s availability for the clash against the Eagles, with a decision on her fitness to be made on Thursday night.

Rachel Kearns will be available to play this week if she gets through training before selection. Picture: Morgan Hancock

While Morrison is a chance to miss Saturday’s game, the Cats are set to welcome back Georgie Prespakis from suspension and Rachel Kearns making an unlikely recovery from a serious shoulder injury.

Kearns was expected to miss the rest of the season after having surgery on her AC joint in August, but has been cleared for full training and will be available for selection if she completes training with no complaint.

Amy McDonald will challenge her one-match suspension on Tuesday night. Picture: Darrian Traynor

Meanwhile, captain Amy McDonald will challenge her ban for a dangerous tackle on Essendon’s Stephanie Cain at the tribunal on Tuesday at 5pm.

The incident was graded as careless conduct, medium impact and high contact, earning a one-week suspension.

Originally published as Nina Morrison may miss Saturday’s AFLW clash with West Coast, while Amy McDonald will challenge ban