Cats injury list grows to 13 with developing rucks sidelined

Geelong’s injury list has grown to 13 players after the opening game of the season with several talented youngsters, including two developing big men. Here’s why a “conservative approach” is being used.

Second year ruck Mitch Edwards is facing a stint on the sidelines. Picture: Alison Wynd

Geelong’s injury list has grown to 13 players but there’s no need for concern with the Cats taking a cautious approach with several youngsters.

Second year ruckman Mitch Edwards headlines the newest names on the sidelines as the Cats take time with his developing frame.

“Mitch has had low-level groin symptoms through the back end of pre-season. After an interrupted 2024, we have decided to take a conservative approach with his return to full training loads and prioritise development of his strength and overall conditioning before he returns,” Cats general manager of footy Andrew Mackie said.

“He has started back modified training with the group, a return to play timeline is still to be determined.”

The Cats other young ruckman, Toby Conway, is “making good progress in his reconditioning block” according to Mackie but a time frame on his return is still to be confirmed.

Last year’s draftees Jacob Molier and Lenny Hofmann have been sidelined by hamstring injuries but are expected to return over the next “one to three weeks”.

Former Western Jet Keighton Matofai-Forbes will undergo an “extended conditioning block” over the next three to four weeks to have his body right for the rest of the season.

Keighton Matofai-Forbes. Picture: Brad Fleet

Category B rookie Cillian Burke remains sidelined indefinitely with a knee injury.

The quartet will miss the start of the VFL season which gets underway on Sunday when the Cats face Sandringham, St Kilda’s affiliate.

“Cillian arrived at the club last year with a pre-existing and known cartilage injury in his left knee,” Mackie said.

“He is a chance to feature in the second half of the season.”

Jake Kolodjashnij is a chance to return in a fortnight’s time while Jed Bews is listed between seven and 11 weeks away with a finger injury.

Xavier Ivisic has returned to training but remains three to five weeks away.

Cam Guthrie and Tanner Bruhn remain as TBC.

Originally published as Cats injury list grows to 13 with developing rucks sidelined