Geelong Cats Stumble in Thrilling Comeback Attempt as Coach Chris Scott Faces New Injury Challenge

Geelong has suffered a significant injury setback as key defender Tom Stewart was taken off the field during the intense clash against St Kilda on Saturday.

Stewart stumbled late in the first quarter, seemingly tripping over himself and landing awkwardly on his knee during a contest.

The 32-year-old managed to get to his feet but found it difficult to put weight on his foot, limping off towards the sidelines.

He headed into the Cats’ change rooms for a medical assessment before re-emerging in the second quarter with heavy strapping on his knee.

“He spent considerable time with the doctors and physios during that break for some run-throughs, and he still doesn’t look comfortable to me,” commented Cats legend Cameron Mooney on Fox Footy.

As Mooney anticipated, Stewart’s time on the field was cut short when coach Chris Scott decided to substitute him out of the match.

Ted Clohesy, who had been called up to the game-day squad in place of the injured star Bailey Smith, came onto the field as his replacement.

Stewart’s early exit adds to the mounting concerns for the Cats, particularly with Smith also sidelined due to a suspected calf injury.

Though the 24-year-old did not participate in the club’s training session on Friday, he is expected to return to action in two weeks.

As Geelong grapples with a growing list of injured players, coach Scott will be eager to see a reduction in injuries over the coming weeks, while the team looks to rectify their errors that led to their defeat against the Saints.

The Saints made a strong start, notching up six goals to Geelong’s two in the opening quarter.

St Kilda maintained control throughout the game, even boasting a 41-point lead at one stage ahead of the third quarter.

However, the Cats mounted a fierce comeback in the final quarter, where Brad Close was denied what could have been a pivotal goal.

Close seemed to have kicked a ball off the ground through the posts, a decision initially confirmed by the goal umpire, but a review later overturned the decision.

The final ruling indicated that the last touch on the ball had come off Saints defender Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, sealing a 15.8 (98) to 13.13 (91) defeat for the Cats.