Geelong has opted to leave out 840 games of AFL experience for their clash with Gold Coast in Darwin, resting premiership stars Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan, and Rhys Stanley. These key players did not travel with the squad, joining veteran Jeremy Cameron (concussion) on the sidelines, as coach Chris Scott navigates a six-day break between matches.
Scott’s “complicated” selection decision comes with Geelong on a two-match losing streak ahead of their encounter with the Suns at TIO Stadium on Thursday night. “You can’t satisfy every requirement every single week,” Scott said, emphasizing the importance of individual player management over opposition considerations.
Scott had initially flagged a rest for Hawkins following last Friday’s home defeat to Port Adelaide. Key forward Cameron was later placed in concussion protocols after delayed symptoms from a head injury. This led to a brief reconsideration of Hawkins’ rest, but it was decided to prioritize medium-term planning.
In Hawkins’ absence, six-game forward Shannon Neale, a 203cm prospect, has been recalled to provide a tall target in the forward line after his impressive performance against North Melbourne earlier this season. “Shannon Neale’s someone we’ve been trying to get into the team for a while,” Scott said. “He played really well against North Melbourne, but Hawkins came back the next week.”
Scott also considered the unique playing conditions in Darwin, noting the heat and slipperiness, which influenced the decision to include Neale. Meanwhile, the Suns have prepared in Darwin after their victory over North Melbourne at TIO Stadium last week. Their experience in the venue’s slippery conditions is seen as an advantage, according to wingman Sam Clohesy.
“It’s definitely an advantage … just being able to run out a full game in this heat,” Clohesy said. “It’s nothing like playing down in Melbourne or, really, playing on the Gold Coast. I think we’re going to use it as an edge against them.”
