THOUSANDS of Cats fans flooded into GMHBA Stadium earlier today (Monday, September 22) to cheer on their heroes as Geelong held an open training session ahead of Saturday’s AFL Grand Final.
The occasional burst of inclement weather did little to dampen the enthusiasm of the supporters, who turned out to see the team prepare for its premiership tilt against Brisbane.
Players jogged laps and ran training drills in the centre of the stadium while a handful, including Bailey Smith, Tom Atkins and Brad Close walked along the boundary line to sign autographs and pose for photos.
Smith – who is one of the leading contenders at tonight’s Brownlow Medal count – was especially popular with fans.
Bailey Smith was among the Cats players to sign autographs and pose for photos. Photo: JAMES TAYLOR
The Cats will go into the Grand Final without key defender Tom Stewart, who was ruled out of the season decider under concussion protocols after he was hurt in a tackle during the Preliminary Final.
Fellow defender Jack Henry is also in some doubt with an ankle injury sustained during the rousing 30-point win over Hawthorn on Friday last week.
Geelong coaches and players have offered their support to Stewart, who addressed the situation on Saturday via social media.
“Obviously shattered with what happened last night, but so grateful and overwhelmed with all of the love and support I have received by so many,” Stewart posted on Instagram.
“Couldn’t be more proud of this group and to be a part of this amazing club is something that I truly cherish. How bout them Cats! LFG.”
This trio of Cats fans brought signs to the session. Photo: MARCEL BERENS SPORTSMEDIA
Speaking at the open training session, Geelong winger Max Holmes – who missed the 2022 Grand Final because of injury – admitted Stewart was feeling “a bit flat”.
“He’s in high spirits around the boys, but I know through experience it’s a brutal position to be in,” Holmes said.
“It’s a horrible thing to see happen to him and I think it absolutely calls for a pre-Grand Final bye this week.”
Holmes said Stewart had asked him about how he handled not being part of the Grand Final side.
Geelong players run a lap of the stadium. Photo: MARCEL BERENS SPORTSMEDIA
“I said I cried a lot.
“I don’t know… people work through things in different ways, I didn’t necessarily handle it as well as I possibly could have.
“I’m shattered for him, but he’ll be all right in the end, and we’ll go again for him.”
