Immediate playing future of Nakia Cockatoo in doubt

Nakia Cockatoo’s immediate playing future is in doubt, with Geelong revealing the livewire may have to leave the Queensland hub.

Nakia Cockatoo’s AFL comeback looks to be on hold until next year, with the explosive midfielder considering leaving the Queensland hub.

Cockatoo’s partner Grace Munday is only weeks away from giving birth to the couple’s first child and it is understood the pair would like to be around family for the arrival.

Coach Chris Scott was reluctant to elaborate on the details at Tuesday’s press conference but hinted an announcement was imminent.

“It’s probably a personal issue at the moment and I’m ruing the fact I brought it up because I try not to speak on others’ behalf when it comes to private matters,” Scott said

“He’s got a little bit going on that’s over and above footy. It’s not bad, it’s all positive. We’ll talk to you at some stage.”

The club said it would not provide further details.

Cockatoo, 23, had been pushing for his first game since Round 3, 2018.

He has since been sidelined by a series of knee and soft tissue setbacks but remains a fan favourite for his untapped ability.

Cockatoo has played a series of scratch matches uninterrupted since the season resumed but he has been unable to break into the side as the club takes an uber-cautious approach with his much-anticipated comeback.

Scott declared last month: “we’re getting to the stage now where we could pick him with some confidence”.

Cockatoo has played just 34 AFL games since he was taken with pick 10 in the 2014 draft.

His two previous returns through the VFL had been unsuccessful.

Scott said Cockatoo’s circumstances were similar to Gary Ablett’s personal matters, which required him to return to Victoria to be with his family.

Nakia Cockatoo at training. Picture: Chris Hyde

“I don’t think it’s a secret that his partner’s pregnant,” he said.

“That’s the sort of stuff that we’re working through. It’s that odd situation where he’s experiencing one of the great times of any human’s life.

“It would be an extra challenge managing footy in a normal situation but this just makes it that much more difficult.

“It’s not different to Gary Ablett’s situation. We couldn’t be clearer at our club, footy is one of the most important things you’ll ever do in your life, but it’s not the most important thing.”

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Originally published as Immediate playing future of Nakia Cockatoo in doubt