Training notes: Cam Guthrie, Jack Martin close to VFL return for Geelong, Tom Stewart, Jack Henry pushing for AFL return

With a quartet of Geelong players in the mix to return in round 10, the Cats could have more reinforcements on the way as a number of players look to make their return via the VFL in the coming weeks.

Cameron Guthrie will be hoping to put his injury battles behind him with a return to VFL footy close. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Geelong coach Chris Scott is confident the Cats could have an “influx of players” to return in coming weeks, as two forgotten stars inch closer to a return through the VFL.

There were promising signs for Geelong’s defensive stocks – which had taken a hit in recent weeks – during the Cats’ Thursday training session at GMHBA Stadium, with defenders Tom Stewart (knee), Lawson Humphries (concussion protocols) and Jack Henry (hamstring) all moving well ahead of Saturday’s game against Port Adelaide, as was ruck Rhys Stanley (hamstring).

Meanwhile, veteran Cat Cam Guthrie (achilles) and recruit Jack Martin (management) also ran out the full session with no issues, working mostly with the defenders, as they target a return through the VFL next week.

Guthrie later pushed a bit higher into the midfield during a full-ground match simulation.

Jack Henry during a kicking drill. Picture: Alison Wynd

Scott said the Cats were thinking of a five-day turnaround between Port Adelaide on Saturday and their Thursday night round 11 blockbuster against Western Bulldogs, though “weren’t beholden to it” when it came to selection this week.

Stewart, Humphries, Henry and Stanley were all in the mix as of Thursday afternoon to face the Power this weekend, while Scott said both Guthrie and Martin would play “probably at least a half” in the VFL next week when the Cats take on the Bulldogs at Whitten Oval.

Tom Stewart puts pressure on Ted Clohesy during the Cats Thursday training session. Picture: Alison Wynd

Martin had previously played a half of VFL in a practice match earlier this year.

Youngster Mitch Knevitt is also likely to return through the VFL next week, having returned to training this week as he works back from a foot injury.

The 22-year-old featured in most of the session before completing solo running sprints up the wing.

“We feel we’ve got an influx of players coming quickly,” Scott said.

Scott said the Cats had been cautious on players’ returns, especially Guthrie and Martin, who both managed just four and three AFL games respectively last season.

“They’re just ready to play some footy now,” Scott said.Defender Jake Kolodjashnij didn’t appear out on the track, after missing last week’s VFL game due to “low grade groin symptoms” and a back spasm.

Meanwhile, Stanley worked in with emerging rucks Toby Conway and Joe Pike throughout the session, as makeshift rucks Mark Blicavs and Sam De Koning lined up in defence.

Conway is listed on the Cats’ injury report as TBC with a back injury, but was able to complete around 80 per cent of the session before finishing on the sidelines, where he was seen conversing with a staff member.

First-year Cat Xavier Isivis did skill work away from the main group.

Originally published as Training notes: Cam Guthrie, Jack Martin close to VFL return for Geelong, Tom Stewart, Jack Henry pushing for AFL return