The door has been left open for veteran Zach Tuohy to return to the team if Geelong can win its way into next week’s AFL grand final.
The Irishman, who will call time on his career at the end of the Cats’ campaign, was the unlucky player to make way for vice-captain Tom Stewart.
Coach Chris Scott says selection calls are more complex to make in September.
“That was one of the harder calls we’ve had to make in a long, long time,” he said.
“But, I’ll emphasise, it was a call that we made given the circumstances of this particular game.
“If we play well enough, and we get through, then the circumstances are different, which will give rise to a whole new set of questions that we need to answer.”
While Tuohy has been squeezed out, Sam De Koning has been unable to squeeze back in.
The key defender last played at AFL level against Adelaide on August 3, suffering a knee injury that required minor surgery, before featuring in Geelong’s two VFL finals.
“He hasn’t had the preparation that some of our guys have had,” Scott said.
“I think I’ve said enough about Sam over the years for everyone to be clear in how highly I rate him.
“But at this time of the year… they are so close to 50-50 decisions, the pendulum does sneak towards the guys who have had a better preparation.
“The fortunate thing for Sam is that he has got a lot of work in since he had that surgery.
“So, again, if we’re good enough on Saturday night, then the conversation changes again; we go back to square one and work through that painstaking process again.”
CATS: ASSISTANT COACH HOSPITALISED
It’s a boat Tom Hawkins and Cam Guthrie also find themselves in.
The veteran duo, who last played in rounds 15 and 10, respectively, fell short of being considered to take on the Lions despite successfully navigating the VFL semi-final loss to Southport.
Scott made Geelong’s plans not to consider the pair known on Wednesday.
“They weren’t close enough to feel like an extra few days were going to make the difference,” Scott said.
“So, we were confident making that call earlier in the week to get some certainty there for one.
“I think I’d be upfront with you if we were certain that they weren’t going to be ready the following week either.
“I think that gives you an indication of how close they were.”
X: @krockfootball
