Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield a test for clash with Gold Coast

Geelong has the chance to jump into the top four this week. But will one of their most important players be there?

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield will be a test ahead of the Cats’ crunch clash with Gold Coast on Saturday.

Dangerfield, 35, has missed the past two games with a minor hamstring injury as the Cats opted not to risk him for their trip to Perth on Sunday.

The target man would give Geelong a much-welcomed boost against Gold Coast, where a win would see the Cats leapfrog the Suns into fourth spot.

Utility Jack Bowes also suffered a more serious hamstring injury in the same game against Port Adelaide a fortnight ago and he is scheduled to return next week.

Patrick Dangerfield (right) is a test to play this week. Picture: Alison Wynd

Jack Martin, Cam Guthrie and Mitch Knevitt all played increased minutes in the VFL as they press their claims for an AFL berth.

In their second games back in the VFL, Martin tallied 22 disposals at 86 per cent efficiency in defence, Cam Guthrie had 16 possessions, while Mitch Knevitt racked up 19 disposals 10 contested possessions and seven clearances.

Third-year Cat Jhye Clark also returned in the VFL from concussion and gathered 23 disposals and kicked two behinds.

Rhys Stanley was tactically subbed out of the game in the final quarter after he kicked an important goal, with Ted Clohesy replacing him.

Originally published as Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield a test for clash with Gold Coast