Geelong Cats: Nakia Cockatoo fails to finish training session

GEELONG livewire Nakia Cockatoo has left the training track early this morning after pulling up tight in his left calf.

Nakia Cockatoo at Geelong preaseason training. Picture: Alison Wynd

GEELONG livewire Nakia Cockatoo has left the training track early this morning after pulling up tight in his left calf.

The injury-prone midfielder was seen shaking his head to a club trainer after failing to complete a run through in a rehab group.

Cockatoo, 22, is returning from a knee injury, but this latest setback could delay his return to full training.

Geelong assistant coach Matthew Scarlett says he just wants to see Cockatoo get a far crack at it.

“I’d like him to be out here training; that would be good,” Scarlett said.

“He’s just had some rotten luck and he’s one that we need to have a good pre-season and I think in time he’s going to be a really dominant on-baller for us.

“‘Knighta’ (midfield coach Matthew Knights) is going to really push that young group to come through and challenge Joel (Selwood) and Patty (Dangerfield) over the pre-season.”

The Advertiser has sought further response from the Cats.

Esava Ratugolea (left) and Nakia Cockatoo at Cats training. Picture: Alison Wynd

Cockatoo, former pick 10 draftee, was hoping to join the main group before Christmas, but has been hampered with sickness.

He’s expected to get his tonsils removed in the next week.

Meanwhile Irish rookie Stefan Okunbor trained for the first time today after arriving yesterday.

Experienced ruckman Zac Smith also joined the first to fourth-year players on the track today, running laps.

Originally published as Geelong Cats: Nakia Cockatoo fails to finish training session