Cats Facing Additional Injury Worries Alongside Concerns Over Dangerfield’s Suspension

Patrick Dangerfield has received a one-match suspension for rough conduct, compounding Geelong’s troubles following a heavy AFL defeat to Carlton.

Dangerfield, the Cats’ captain, was penalized for a tackle on Blues midfielder Sam Walsh during the first quarter of their 138-75 loss at the MCG on Friday night. While Walsh continued to play after the incident, Dangerfield’s actions were deemed careless conduct with medium impact and high contact by the AFL match review officer.

“Pat didn’t sling him,” remarked Geelong coach Chris Scott after the game regarding the tackle on Walsh. “He had hold of an arm and with that sort of momentum, you’re both going into the ground.”

Geelong has not yet decided whether they will contest Dangerfield’s suspension or the $2500 fine handed to Gryan Miers for striking Lachie Cowan. Dangerfield now faces the prospect of missing a crucial match against Essendon in round 16.

Friday night’s game marked Dangerfield’s return to action since round eight, following a series of hamstring injuries.

Adding to Geelong’s woes, veteran forward Tom Hawkins sustained a foot injury during the third quarter against Carlton. At 35 years old, Hawkins, who has struggled for form this season with only 15 goals in 12 games, was effectively marked by Jacob Weitering before leaving the field due to the injury.

“I can’t say the news is good news, but I’m not saying the news is bad, either,” Scott commented on Hawkins’ injury. “It’s mid-foot – he has had a problem with his toe … it’s not the same injury. The experts we have don’t know, so I certainly don’t have anything more to add on that.”

When asked if Hawkins’ injury was related to his 2022 foot surgery, Scott urged caution in drawing connections prematurely. Geelong, currently with an 8-6 record after losing six of their last seven games, faced a comprehensive defeat against Carlton.

“They did everything well. That’s as good as I’ve seen a team play against us for a long time,” Scott acknowledged. Despite the setback, he remained optimistic about the team’s potential.

Scott also praised defender Tom Stewart for his performance against Carlton, highlighting Stewart’s resilience against a defensive forward tag from Alex Cincotta, who managed to score two goals during the match.

“The opposition will have to worry about Tom, every game he plays,” Scott concluded, emphasizing Stewart’s significance to the Geelong side.