Nakia Cockatoo reported for sling tackle on Michael Johnson

GEELONG will nervously await the match review panel’s verdict on Nakia Cockatoo’s sling tackle on Fremantle’s Michael Johnson on Saturday night.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 12: Michael Johnson of the Dockers is assesed by a medic after being spear tackled by Nakia Cockatoo of the Cats during the 2016 NAB Challenge match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Geelong Cats at Domain Stadium, Perth on March 12, 2016. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Media/Getty Images)

GEELONG will nervously await the match review panel’s verdict on Nakia Cockatoo’s sling tackle on Fremantle’s Michael Johnson on Saturday night.

Geelong director of coaching Simon Lloyd said Cockatoo’s report left a sour taste after the Cats strong showing in Perth.

“It is disappointing,” Lloyd said.

“But we’ll let the system take care of itself and it’s something that we can’t control.”

Lloyd said the Cats’ performance away from home was promising despite giving up an 11-point lead late in the last term to lose by 12.

He confirmed that skipper Joel Selwood and forward Daniel Menzel would play for Geelong’s VFL side in a practice match on Friday night.

Lloyd said veteran Corey Enright would be ready for Hawthorn on Easter Monday after being rested.

Michael Johnson is assessed after a sling tackle from from Nakia Cockatoo. Picture: Getty Images

Lloyd said Jimmy Bartel, who suffered a head knock in the first quarter, had passed the concussion test.

“He’s up, walking around, chatting to players and having a joke,” Lloyd said.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said Gold Coast recruit Harley Bennell will play for his original WAFL club on Saturday in a bid to prove his readiness for the Round 1 clash with the Western Bulldogs.

Bennell impressed in his first hitout for Freo with 17 touches and a goal in about 70 minutes of game time.

Lyon praised Bennell’s outing, but said the match committee would need to “have a discussion’’ about whether to take him to Etihad Stadium .

“He’ll get an opportunity to play with Peel next week. So we’ll all be down there,’’ Lyon said.

“There’s a bit to like. I thought he contributed strongly. He impacted the scoreboard. I thought he had some really sharp hands. I thought he was selfless. His intensity at times could be maybe a little bit better. I don’t know.”

Ruckman Zac Clarke will join defender Alex Pearce and Bennell for Peel Thunder when they take on Subiaco in the WAFL’s opening round.

- with AAP

Originally published as Nakia Cockatoo reported for sling tackle on Michael Johnson