In a significant setback for the Geelong Cats, star defender Tom Stewart has been ruled out of Thursday night’s highly anticipated clash against the Adelaide Crows due to gastroenteritis. This news comes just days after Stewart made his return to the field following a knee injury that sidelined him earlier in the season.
According to 7NEWS chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, Stewart’s illness struck in the last 24 hours, forcing him to withdraw from the match. This marks the second time in three weeks that the vice-captain has been a late out, having previously missed the Round 3 game against Brisbane due to a knee injury sustained the week prior against St Kilda.
Stewart's absence is a massive blow to Geelong's defensive lineup, which is already reeling from the loss of Jack Henry, who suffered a hamstring strain during last week’s victory over Melbourne. In response to Stewart's withdrawal, Ted Clohesy has been called up to the squad and will start as the substitute.
The Adelaide Crows, on the other hand, have their own injury concerns but received a boost when Izak Rankine passed a late fitness test to take his place in the lineup. Zac Taylor will serve as the sub for the Crows, adding depth to a team eager to prove their mettle against a formidable opponent.
As the match kicked off, the excitement was palpable at the Adelaide Oval. The Crows were looking to cement their status as genuine finals contenders, while the Cats aimed to upstage their hosts. The first half of the game has already proven to be a thrilling affair, showcasing the attacking prowess of both teams.
In an electrifying start, Geelong's Max Holmes scored just 20 seconds into the game, setting the tone for an entertaining contest. However, the Crows quickly responded with an impressive display of offensive firepower. Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty have been particularly effective, with Fogarty scoring four goals in the second quarter alone, much to the delight of the home crowd.
By halftime, the Crows had established a commanding lead, sitting at 11.5 (71) to Geelong’s 7.5 (47). The Cats managed to keep pace with some spirited play, thanks in part to contributions from players like Brad Close and Jack Bowes, who each found the scoreboard. Bowes’ goal came at a crucial moment, helping Geelong stay within striking distance as they faced a five-goal deficit at one point.
Despite the challenges, Geelong's resilience shone through, with standout performances from players like Atkins and Stengle, who helped the Cats mount a spirited fightback. The second half promises to be a battle of defensive strategies as both teams look to tighten up their backlines and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
As the game progresses, the focus remains on the performance of key players. Jeremy Cameron, who had spent time on the bench, returned with renewed energy and quickly made his mark by scoring a goal and assisting in another. His involvement is crucial for Geelong as they attempt to close the gap on the Crows.
With the stakes high and both teams vying for a crucial victory, the outcome of this match remains uncertain. How will Geelong adapt to the absence of Stewart, and can Adelaide maintain their momentum in the second half? Fans are on the edge of their seats as the action unfolds.
As the clock winds down, the intensity of the contest only increases. The Crows are determined to prove they can compete with the best, while the Cats look to rally and claim a vital win despite their injury woes. This matchup is shaping up to be a classic, and with both teams displaying their talents, it’s clear that the AFL season is heating up.
Stay tuned for more updates as the match progresses, and see if Geelong can pull off a remarkable comeback or if Adelaide will solidify their position as a leading contender in the league.
