Cameron cleared as Cats weigh ruck mix

Geelong coach Chris Scott admits he always enters a new season with a touch of pessimism. But despite a disrupted pre-season for several key players, he says the Cats are ready for a heavyweight opening-round clash with Gold Coast.

Scott confirmed Jeremy Cameron and Bailey Smith are set to play, while Gryan Miers remains a watch.

“Jeremy and Bailey will clearly be ready from a physical perspective and they’ll play,” Scott said.

“Gryan, it’s one of those situations where just because he can play doesn’t mean he should.”

Miers had thumb surgery in the off-season and Scott said the club would not risk players unnecessarily.

“We don’t ask players to play through things that might hinder them later in the season and later in life, to be honest.”

Cameron’s recovery from a serious broken arm has taken longer than some expected, but Scott said the extended timeline reflected a cautious approach.

“The fact that it took a little bit more time in the off-season is a pointer to the fact that they wanted him to be squeaky clean,” he said.

“It was a serious injury.”

Reece Stanley will not play in the opener, with Geelong instead backing its ruck depth. Scott said the club sees flexibility in its big men rather than a single preferred set-up.

One thing he is certain about is the challenge ahead.

Scott labelled the Suns an easy premiership contender, pointing to their midfield strength and overall list balance.

“If you’re coaching that team, the thing that would excite you is the lack of weaknesses,” he said.

“They’re strong all over the place.”

Scott also said he was pleased to see Tanner Bruhn return to football after what he described as an injustice last season.

“It’s one of the most egregious injustices I can think of in the game.”

With Friday night looming, Scott said speculation means little until real form is exposed.

“We’ll all feel a little bit more comfortable when we see some exposed form.”