LUCKLESS Geelong midfielder Sam Simpson may have run out of time to push his case for AFL finals selection after failing to see out the VFL loss to Box Hill.
Simpson, playing just his fourth game back after recovering from a concussion issue, was forced from the ground during the second quarter of the 14.13 (97) to 7.12 (54) defeat with a quad issue.
“We had Sam Simpson and James Willis both come off the ground with tight quads,” Cats coach Shane O’Bree told K rock Football.
“We’re hoping there’s no tear there, but it was too much of a risk for both of those boys to go back on the ground.
“It’s a bit unfortunate for both those boys, (with) both coming back off long injuries.
“Hopefully, it’s not too bad.”
Already out of the finals running, Geelong suffered its 10th loss of the season to the finals-bound Hawks.
However, there were several positives for the Cats, including the continued performance of Esava Ratugolea in a defensive role.
He finished with 17 disposals and took eight marks.
“That’s his third or fourth week as a defender now,” O’Bree said.
“He’s reading the play, and marking the ball well and getting more of the ball in his hands.
“He’s looking really confident.”
Fringe AFL midfielders Quinton Narkle (18 disposals and seven clearances) and Shaun Higgins (19 disposals) were also solid contributors.
“You can see Shaun at VFL level, when he’s got the ball in his hands, he’s got time and space and uses it really well,” O’Bree said.
Geelong will round out its VFL season against Port Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium next Sunday.
Click below to listen to the entire interview with Shane O’Bree
Twitter: @krockfootball
