Cats and Blues to duel despite key defender out

GEELONG Football Club will need to rely heavily on its depth for this weekend’s Round 7 clash with Carlton, as the Cats will be without premiership defender and vice-captain Tom Stewart due to concussion.

Cats head coach Chris Scott and his undefeated side will have a strong opponent in the 5-1 Blues on Saturday night at the MCG, but without their key defender in Stewart, who suffered a significant concussion against Brisbane last weekend.

“There’s no one we can replace that can be at Tom Stewart’s level, but we’ve been clear for a long time that we think the best teams will have to use a big squad,” Scott said following last week’s win.

“Depth is really important, and this tests us a little bit in terms of that. You can’t replace your best players like for like, but Carlton’s forward line forces you to think a bit about how you set up anyway.

“It’s a great opportunity for our younger key backs.”

Geelong’s defenders were pivotal in the second half of the Lions matchup last week, with key individual efforts from Jake Kolodjashnij, Jack Henry, and Sam De Koning, who is set to play his 50th game tomorrow night.

Brandan Parfitt also continued his stellar season to this point, leading the squad in pressure acts against the Lions and kicking a goal and collecting 14 disposals, nine kicks and six tackles.

“Parfitt has taken his opportunity when it just looked like it was going to be difficult to get him in, and it’s going to be difficult to get him out now. He’s been really good,” Scott said.

“We have confidence in our program. It’s not for everyone, but it’s exciting to see our players have really bought in.”

Jeremy Cameron will also look for a bounce back performance against the Blues, after being kept goal-less against Brisbane. He has kicked 14 goals to this point in the season.

Connor O’Sullivan, Emerson Jeka, and Jed Bews all figure to be potential inclusions for this week’s side with Stewart out.

Injured Cats midfielder Cam Guthrie could also slide into a defensive slot with his return imminent from a quad injury.