Geelong has regained a superstar in time for its blockbuster meeting with the Western Bulldogs, with Bailey Smith in line to face his old side after a week of drama.
Smith trained indoors sparking concerns he could miss the much-anticipated clash with the club that drafted him, but unless there’s a trademark Cats late change, he will line up in the midfield where he’s done such damage on route to Brownlow contention in 2025.
He’s joined by Tom Stewart, with the gun defender returning from a knee issue, and likely to spend at least some time in the midfield with Patrick Dangerfield (hamstring) and Jack Bowes (hamstring) both going out hurt.
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Promising young backman Connor O’Sullivan has been managed while Ted Clohesy returns along with ruckman Rhys Stanley, allowing the versatile Mark Blicavs to move onto a wing.
If Smith was to be a late withdrawal he would likely be replaced by young midfielder George Stevens who has been excellent at VFL level averaging 27 disposals and eight clearances, and was floated as a potential debutant by many during the week.
The red-hot Dogs make just one change with Arthur Jones (hamstring) replaced by Oskar Baker after a strong outing in the VFL.
They’re set to be reinforced after the club’s Round 12 bye with Liam Jones to play VFL this week, and Adam Treloar targeting a return after the break.
The remaining teams for Round 11 will be announced Thursday 6:20pm AEST.
ROUND 11 TEAMS AND FIXTURE (All times AEST)
GEELONG v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Thursday May 22, 7:30pm at GMHBA Stadium
CATS
B: M.O’Connor, S.De Koning, J.Henry
HB: L.Humphries, T.Stewart – C, Z.Guthrie
C: M.Blicavs, M.Holmes, O.Dempsey
HF: G.Miers, S.Mannagh, B.Close
F: S.Neale, J.Cameron, T.Stengle
FOLL: R.Stanley, B.Smith, T.Atkins
I/C: J.Bews, M.Duncan, O.Mullin, T.Clohesy, O.Henry
EMG: C.O’Sullivan, O.Wiltshire, G.Stevens
In: – T.Stewart, R.Stanley, T.Clohesy
Out: – C.O’Sullivan (Managed), P.Dangerfield (Injured), J.Bowes (Injured)
BULLDOGS
B: L.Cleary, J.O’Donnell, T.Duryea
HB: J.Johannisen, R.Lobb, B.Dale
C: B.Williams, E.Richards, J.Freijah
HF: J.Harmes, B.Khamis, M.Kennedy
F: R.Sanders, A.Naughton, R.West
FOLL: T.English, M.Bontempelli – C, T.Liberatore
I/C: O.Baker, L.Bramble, S.Davidson, L.McNeil, L.Vandermeer
EMG: J.Busslinger, C.Hynes, R.Gardner
In: – O.Baker
Out: – A.Jones (Injured)
ESSENDON v RICHMOND
Friday May 23, 7:40pm at the MCG
BOMBERS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
TIGERS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
CARLTON v GWS GIANTS
Saturday May 24, 12:35pm at Marvel Stadium
BLUES
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
GIANTS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
HAWTHORN v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday May 24, 4:15pm at the MCG
HAWKS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
LIONS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
NORTH MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD
Saturday May 24, 7:35pm at Marvel Stadium
KANGAROOS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
MAGPIES
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
WALYALUP (FREMANTLE) v YARTAPUULTI (PORT ADELAIDE)
Saturday May 24, 8:10pm at Optus Stadium
DOCKERS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
POWER
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
KUWARNA (ADELAIDE CROWS) v WAALITJ MARAWAR (WEST COAST EAGLES)
Sunday May 25, 1:10pm at Adelaide Oval
CROWS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
EAGLES
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
NARRM (MELBOURNE) v SYDNEY SWANS
Sunday May 25, 3:20pm at the MCG
DEMONS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
SWANS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
EURO-YROKE (ST KILDA) v GOLD COAST SUNS
Sunday May 25, 4:40pm at Marvel Stadium
SAINTS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
SUNS
TBA Thursday 6:20pm
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