Geelong ruckman Rhys Stanley available for grand final as Jack Henry, Jack Martin left off injury list

Cats coach Chris Scott said Stanley was “medically available” for their preliminary final win over Hawthorn but the Cats opted against playing him, instead naming him as an emergency.

It means Stanley is in the box seat to return for star Tom Stewart after his cruel concussion blow, allowing the versatile Mark Blicavs to cover Stewart in defence

Key defender Jack Henry was also left off Geelong’s grand final injury update after returning to the field after an injury scare with a foot nerve issue.

First-year Cat Jack Martin declared himself a certain starter earlier this week after a corked calf against Hawthorn.

Stewart (concussion), Jake Kolodjashnij (hip) and Toby Conway (foot), are the only three players on Geelong’s injury list, with Kolodjashnij and Conway both undergoing surgery this month.

Stanley suffered a right hamstring injury ahead of the qualifying final but shot into selection contention last week after showing promising signs on the track.

He unleashed a torpedo on his right foot at last week’s captain’s run and took part in Geelong’s session on Monday.

“The way we think about it now is like, ‘could play’ is not enough. You have to answer the ‘should play’ question, but the fact that he’s gone so well leaves him in really good shape for next week,” Scott said after their preliminary final win.

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“So that’s probably a little bit of a pointer to the way I’m thinking.”

Brisbane has gone in with a dual ruck set-up in its last two finals wins in Oscar McInerney, who missed last year’s grand final with injury, and Darcy Fort.

Fringe Cat Jhye Clark appeared to do enough to hold his spot in the side after replacing Stewart as the substitute.

Originally published as Geelong ruckman Rhys Stanley available for grand final as Jack Henry, Jack Martin left off injury list