Rory Sloane optimistic about his chances of playing Geelong

ADELAIDE midfielder Rory Sloane says the signs have been positive all week and he’s confident of overcoming concussion and facing Geelong on Friday night.

Rory Sloane is confident he will play against Geelong. Picture: Getty Images

ADELAIDE midfielder Rory Sloane says he’s confident of overcoming concussion and facing Geelong in Friday night’s clash at Adelaide Oval.

Sloane, who was knocked out in last Saturday night’s win against Melbourne in Darwin, trained on Wednesday but didn’t take part in competitive work.

KNOCKED OUT: TEX TIPS SLOANE TO PLAY DESPITE MEMORY LOSS

“I haven’t had a headache since the incident happened,” Sloane said.

“I suppose I have been really lucky because I know a lot of concussions, especially at our footy club, have been a big issue over the last couple of years.

“And we have had a lot guys who have missed a bit of time in football due to concussion.

“We certainly take it very seriously. There’s a lot of hoops you have got to get through.”

Rory Sloane in the hands of the trainer after he was KO’d. Picture: Getty Images

Sloane passed concussion tests earlier this week and will have further testing on Thursday ­before the clash.

“That will be the final hoop I have got to get through,” Sloane said on Triple M.

“We are leaving no stone unturned ... I have done a lot of tests. I trained, not flat-out, I avoided the competitive work but trained.

“If I’m feeling good and can pass that baseline (concussion) test that I did at the start of the year ... there should be no ­reason why I can’t play.”

Teammate Andy Otten said Sloane looked great at training.

“It will be the doctor’s final call,” Otten said.

“Rory is not going to put himself in jeopardy, I’m sure, and ­neither is the club.”

“We’re going to be smart about it.”

Defender Jake Lever appears less likely to play against the Cats because of hamstring tightness. He didn’t train yesterday.

“We have still got a training session tomorrow so we’ll see where he’s at there,” Otten said.

Key forward Josh Jenkins is also in doubt after a bout of food poisoning.

Jenkins has been bedridden for two days with gastro after eating a dodgy roast ham.

Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield remains in doubt for the match because of a foot injury.

Originally published as Rory Sloane optimistic about his chances of playing Geelong