Geelong vice-captain Tom Stewart left out after missing main training as Gryan Miers misses again

Tom Stewart wasn’t on Geelong’s injury list, but the vice-captain will be sideliend after missing the Cats’ main training.

Geelong vice-captain Tom Stewart will miss the Cats’ crunch clash with Collingwood on Saturday night with knee soreness as Gryan Miers has been left out despite a promising training session on Thursday.

Stewart, 32, wasn’t on Geelong’s round eight injury list on Tuesday but this masthead reported on Thursday afternoon that the star interceptor and young midfielder Mitch Knevitt (foot) were in doubt.

Both were absent from the Cats’ main training on Thursday at Deakin Waurn Ponds.

Stewart completed his own session at the club as he manages his knee injury, which flared in the first quarter of Geelong’s loss to Carlton on Sunday.

Geelong coach Chris Scott has repeatedly said the Cats leave their selection calls until the last minute, with Stewart a late out in round three and round five this season.

But the Cats have opted not to risk Stewart on this occasion with Mitch Duncan, who was part of the ‘first’ defence at training, replacing Stewart.

It is Duncan’s first AFL game of 2025, with the veteran and uncapped midfielder George Stevens pulled out of Geelong VFL’s clash on Sunday morning as AFL carryover emergencies.

Tom Stewart played out the game on Sunday. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

Miers completed Thursday’s session with ease in a non-contact cap on, and at one stage quipped, ‘Don’t touch me’, to his opponent as a ball was kicked in his direction during match simulation.

But he will also miss the Pies clash despite all signs pointing to a return.

He will continue to work his way through the AFL’s concussion protocols.

Knevitt will miss another week with his plantar fascia issue.

Mark Blicavs and Brad Close wore non-contact caps at training but looked unaffected, despite Blicavs having his back worked on by a club physio during their scrimmage.

Jack Henry (hamstring) did not take part in the session, while ruckman Toby Conway and forgotten midfielder Cam Guthrie completed some drills and running.

Originally published as Geelong vice-captain Tom Stewart left out after missing main training as Gryan Miers misses again