Key forward Shane Kersten could become the first Geelong player in 75 years to make his VFL/AFL debut in a final if an ongoing back problem keeps Tom Hawkins sidelined against Port Adelaide.
The Cats are almost certain to name Hawkins in their team for Friday night’s cut-throat semi-final against the Power, but the definitive call on his availability won’t be made until the day of the match.
Hawkins – the Cats’ reigning club champion – has missed three games this year with the persistent back problem, including last weekend’s shock loss to Fremantle.
Late replacement Josh Walker was ineffectual against the Dockers, prompting the Cats to consider other options should Hawkins again be forced to miss.
Kersten, 20, has been been on the verge of a senior call-up several times this year, only to be foiled by injuries.
He has kicked 36 goals in 11 games for the Cats’ reserves in 2013.
“Personally I wouldn’t have too many issues bringing in a debutant for a big game,” Cats coach Chris Scott said on Tuesday.
“… It would be bold, but I kind of like that.
“I’m bringing it up as an option – it’s certainly not a guarantee, it’s probably not even a likelihood that we’d bring him in.
“But it won’t be because we’re worried that he won’t perform on the big stage.”
The last Geelong player to make their senior debut in a final was Ted Tuohill way back in 1938.
The most recent player to do so was Andrew Hooper, who ran out for his first senior game for the Western Bulldogs in a 2010 semi-final.
Other more prominent examples include Hawthorn great Dermott Brereton in 1982 – who booted five goals on debut against North Melbourne in a 1982 semi-final – and Collingwood Brownlow medallist Len Thompson in 1965.
Scott said Hawkins had shown some encouraging signs on the training track early this week.
“It was a good day yesterday so we’re hoping it will be a good week and most importantly that he feels good on Friday,” said Scott.
“If that’s the case he’ll play, but it really is an issue that can flare suddenly and he can be quite ordinary and not good enough to play and at other times he feels almost normal.
“As an optimist we’re thinking he’ll be right and close to his best and we’ll certainly play him if that’s the case.”
Triple premiership star Corey Enright is certain to miss Friday night’s MCG clash with Port Adelaide after injuring a knee in the 15-point loss the Dockers.
Josh Hunt and Taylor Hunt are among those in contention to replace Enright in the Geelong backline.
Josh Caddy and Andrew Mackie hurt their ankles in the 15-point loss to Fremantle, but should be right to play against Port.
The Cats will also consider recalling ruckman Trent West to help take on improving Port Adelaide big man Matthew Lobbe after the undersized pair of Mark Blicavs and Trent Vardy were monstered by towering Dockers duo Aaron Sandilands and Zac Clarke.
