Geelong has received a significant boost heading into finals, with superstar duo Gary Ablett and Joel Selwood set to return for the Round 18 clash with Sydney.
Ablett returned home for personal reasons early in the season and since returning to Queensland, has been training as part of a transition hub with Richmond’s Shane Edwards and St Kilda’s Dan Hannebery.
Cats coach Chris Scott confirmed the two-time Brownlow Medallist has been ticked off to return.
“Yeah for sure (he will play), that’s always been our plan,” Scott told Fox Footy.
“Having seen him up close, he’ll certainly play. I’m confident he’ll play well.
“He’s such a proud competitor he doesn’t want to use a physical issue as an excuse. He’s lacking some match fitness this year but he’s in better shape than 12 months ago.”
Speaking on AFL Nation last Friday night, Geelong assistant coach Matthew Knights confirmed Selwood was close to taking on Richmond, but the side chose the conservative route as the skipper battled a hamstring issue.
Scott said Selwood has now been given the green light.
“He will definitely play too. We’ve held him back a lot. He could’ve played in previous weeks,” Scott said overnight.
“He and I along with others have put a lot of thought into this.”
Geelong will likely also regain forward Gary Rohan, who was a late withdrawal before the loss to Richmond and potentially ruckman Rhys Stanley.