TEAMMATES have rallied around Geelong defender Elise Coventry who will miss the 2019 AFLW and VFLW seasons after suffering a serious knee injury.
The 34-year-old ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament in the opening quarter of the Cats’ AFLW practice match win over Carlton on Saturday.
“It’s a really sad time for her and everyone in the team,” Cassie Blakeway said. “We just want to come around and support her.
“Unfortunately, ACLs do happen quite often in our game, which is unfortunate.
“But, she’s so strong and she’ll get through it and we look forward to having her back when she’s ready.
“All the support that we can give her right now is what we’re trying to do.”
In a further blow to the Cats, star midfielder Richelle Cranston will miss the opening two rounds of the season after being cited for rough conduct on Blue Sarah Hosking.
“Unfortunately, that is footy and Rocky will get through it and we definitely look forward to having her back in Round 3,” Blakeway said.
“But it does give an opportunity for another girl that wouldn’t have got that chance to play in the first two rounds.
“So, you just have a look at it that way – it is a team game.
“We will miss Rocky, but we’ve got a great team around us.”
With just over a week until the Cats take on Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium on February 2, Blakeway says anticipation is building among the playing group.
“The fact we’re the opening game and get to play in our community here in Geelong, all the girls are so excited,” she said.
“We just can’t wait for that day.
“Coming off a VFL pre-season last year and having so many months to prepare – I do feel prepared and the team does feel prepared, but it’s so close that you really pinch yourself.
“We’re all quite ready and very, very excited.”
MEANWHILE, Geelong has landed Bulla Dairy Foods as a sponsor of the AFLW team.
The Colac-based company’s deal with the Cats also includes the club’s Auskick programs and the Country Festival.
“Bulla is a brand with over 100 years of history and tradition in the greater Geelong region,” Bulla head of marking Andrew Noisette said.
“As a local family owned business we want to be a part of a club that shares similar values of effort, team work and giving back to the community.
“We know that generations Cats fans have grown up on our cream and ice cream products and we look forward to supporting the club’s AFLW team, Auskick, and Country Festival in 2019.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
