Geelong believe Tom Stewart's knee injury sustained during their recent match is only a minor issue, despite significant concern following their narrow defeat to St Kilda on Saturday night, March 22, 2025. The clash showcased a rollercoaster of emotions for the Cats, culminating in a seven-point loss, as they fought back from a staggering 41-point deficit in the latter stages of the game.
Stewart was substituted before halftime after jamming his right knee into the hard turf at Marvel Stadium, a scene that left fans anxious about the star defender’s condition. Coach Chris Scott, however, offered a reassuring assessment, saying, “The first impression is that it's minor,” when questioned about Stewart’s injury. The club eagerly awaits further medical evaluations, hopeful that their five-time All-Australian will soon return to the field.
The bitter defeat leaves Geelong with a 1-1 season record, setting the stage for a crucial upcoming match against reigning premiers Brisbane in round three. The Cats displayed resilience in their latest outing, with notable performances in the second half where they scored seven of the last nine goals. Their efforts, however, were not enough to overcome the earlier deficit created by St Kilda’s strong start.
Adding to Geelong's woes, Bailey Smith was a late withdrawal from the match due to a calf injury. Coach Scott mentioned that Smith was “very close” to playing, indicating anticipation for his return. Afresh from a dominant performance against Fremantle in round one—where he racked up 32 disposals and kicked a goal, showcasing his prowess post-injury—Smith is an asset the Cats need for the upcoming challenges.
St Kilda's victory was not merely a stroke of luck; it was a result of solid teamwork and execution. The Saints, who had suffered a prior thrashing by Adelaide, defied expectations against the Cats. In a show of determination, they surged ahead to hold a commanding lead during the game, even when Geelong made a late push. St Kilda coach Ross Lyon acknowledged the contrast in their performance, stating, “It was contrasting halves, but a lot of positives to take out of it.” Lyon emphasized the importance of effort and composure, laying a foundation for future performances.
The game saw its share of controversies, particularly in the final moments when a goal by Geelong’s Brad Close was overturned; it was ruled a rushed behind after a scrum involving both players. This decision was a critical moment that could have shifted the outcome significantly for the Cats, bringing them within a kick of tying the game.
St Kilda's Jack Higgins emerged as a standout player with four goals, contributing significantly to their success. Other notable mentions from St Kilda included Jack Macrae, who scored 35 disposals; Zak Jones, with 27; and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who also had a commendable 29 disposals. Their strong showing was instrumental in maintaining the Saints' edge throughout the game.
On the other side, Geelong’s efforts were spearheaded by Patrick Dangerfield, who accounted for 18 disposals, alongside Ollie Dempsey, who kicked two crucial goals. Dangerfield, however, faces scrutiny from the match review officer for an incident involving Ryan Byrnes, after he made glancing contact with Byrnes’s face during a head-high elbow play. Fortunately for Geelong, Dangerfield has escaped suspension but received a fine for the incident.
With the next game against Brisbane looming, both teams are preparing to solidify their strategies. The Cats will be looking for key players like Stewart and Smith to regain their form and lead Geelong to victory, while St Kilda aims to build on their positive momentum after the stirring win. The stakes are high as teams seek to carve out their identities in the early stages of the season.
Geelong’s recent matches have been a testament to the unpredictable nature of the game. Amid injuries and tight scorelines, the Cats hold onto hope. As pointed out by Coach Scott, “So many things were going against us and it would've been easy to turn your toes up... But we really had a chance to win,” underlining the tenacity of the squad despite the challenges.
As fans look forward to the next game, the questions surrounding Stewart and Smith’s readiness become focal points of interest. The Cats have shown they can rally back from adversity, but with Brisbane on the horizon, every healthy player will be crucial in the quest for success. The upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to establish their prowess early in the 2025 season.
