Stokes trains strongly

GEELONG has held its final open training session before Saturday's grand final clash with St Kilda, with injured forward Mathew Stokes coming through with flying colours before a crowd of several thousand fans at Skilled Stadium.

For most players, it was more of a recovery session than training, with stretching, jogging and some light kicking the order of the day.

All eyes were on Stokes, who withdrew from Saturday night's preliminary final against Collingwood with a groin strain.

Coach Mark Thompson suggested in Saturday's post-match media conference that he would be looking to get Stokes back into the side if he was fit, and he appeared to meet that criteria during the hour-long session.

Stokes finished the hour by doing slightly more strenuous run-throughs with Cats cult figure Shane Mumford and Ryan Gamble.

Notable absentees from the track were Steve Johnson, skipper Tom Harley, Brad Ottens, Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and David Wojcinski.

Selwood made an appearance just before the end of the session, but trained away from what remained of the main group, doing some light ball work with fitness boss Paul Haines.

Andrew Mackie also trained on the ground but by himself, doing light jogging and stretching under the supervision of one of the medical team.

Geelong staff were quick to say that those not training were doing as they did for every recovery session, and either rehabbing or doing their own work in the pool.