Weakened Cats can still win, says Scott - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Weakened Cats can still win, says Scott

By Robert Grant 21/06/2011 03:31:39 PM Comments (0)

Undermanned just about everywhere - but most notably in the midfield - Geelong still remain confident of maintaining their unbeaten AFL record this weekend.

It could be a new-look Cats side which meets Adelaide at Skilled Stadium on Sunday after the established line-up was peppered by suspensions and injuries.

Already missing gamebreaker Joel Selwood through suspension, the Cats could also be forced to rule out fellow midfielders Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly.

The backline has been hit by the loss of veteran Darren Milburn through injury and Josh Hunt due to suspension while forward Mathew Stokes is also suspended.

But while they might have to make up to six changes against the battling Crows, coach Chris Scott is confident their grip on top spot will not be loosened this weekend.

"We think we've got a number of guys who can come in and do the job," Scott said.

"We've got a few players who have deserved their opportunity and the fact that we've been relatively injury-free and have been playing well has kept them out of the side."

Bartel, who suffered concussion in a clash with team-mate James Podsiadly in last Saturday's win over St Kilda, will have to pass intensive tests if he is to play.

"He seems pretty good in himself, but we're going to run a number of tests with him," Scott said.

"He's going to see a number of specialists to make sure he's okay.

"He's had a number of concussions through his career, so we need to be really diligent and make sure that if he does play he is absolutely right."

Kelly, who has an irritating ankle injury, was described as "touch and go" by Scott.

"He won't train for the next couple of days, so we'll leave that right up until the last minute.

"Where players are in a little bit of doubt we tend to err on the side of caution."

Milburn is battling an Achilles tendon injury and Scott admitted the 34-year-old could miss the next two matches.

Geelong accepted one-match bans for Stokes and Hunt and a reprimand for Joel Corey, after the trio were reported in the win over the Saints.

Among those heading the replacement list are midfielder Allen Christensen, who will play as long as he gets through training, according to Scott.

Other youngsters in line for a call-up are defender Tom Gillies, tall forward Mitch Brown, Josh Cowan and Steven Motlop - the younger brother of Port Adelaide's Daniel Motlop.

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