Geelong’s ‘gastro crisis’ a practical joke by defender Tom Stewart

UPDATE: Geelong defender Tom Stewart has fessed up about the illness allegedly sweeping through Geelong’s team ahead of the preliminary final.

Dashing Geelong defender Tom Stewart. Picture: Jay Town

GEELONG’S gastro outbreak is fake news.

First-year defender Tom Stewart sparked a media furore when he was confronted by cameras as he left Simonds Stadium this morning and suggested he was also suffering from food poisoning which had claimed teammate Tom Lonergan in the lead-up to Friday night’s semi-final.

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“Gastro, food poisoning ... one or the other, so hope I’ll be right,” Stewart said. “I think it’s just us two at the moment … bit of quarantine.”

The news led news bulletins across town but it turns out the youngster has a sense of humour and was just having a lend of reporters.

He was actually leaving the Cats headquarters to get a coffee and returned to train with his teammates.

Stewart clarified the situation on Instragam late on Monday, saying it was a “misunderstanding”.

“I wasn’t feeling great yesterday and accidentally mixed up my words when speaking to the media today,” he said.

“A complete accident on my part and take full responsibility for the mishap.

“Just wanted to clear the air and make sure everyone is informed. Clearly need some more media training.”

Stewart did have concerns about hamstring tightness after the win against Sydney but he moved freely in today’s session and is expected to play against Adelaide on Friday night.

Lonergan missed because of a “dodgy sausage roll” but trained today and will play against the Crows.