GEELONG coach Chris Scott has declared star recruit Bailey Smith a "lock" to return for the Cats' blockbuster against Brisbane.
Smith, who starred in Geelong's round-one belting of Fremantle, was a late withdrawal for last week's clash with St Kilda due to a calf complaint.
But the former Western Bulldogs ace will fly up to Brisbane to prepare for Saturday night's match, the first game between the rivals since the Lions shaded the Cats in an epic preliminary final last year.
Scott also expects Tom Stewart to play despite the star defender being subbed off with a knee injury in a shock loss against the Saints.
"As it stands at the moment, we expect them to play," Scott told reporters on Thursday about Smith and Stewart.
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02:30
How Geelong’s ‘Irish Daicos’ earned his nickname, and which Lion he should tag
Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Chad Wingard discuss why Geelong tagger Oisin Mullin has been labelled ‘The Irish Daicos’ by his teammates and which Brisbane midfielder he should tag in Thursday night’s Grand Final rematch.
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24:10
The Round Ahead: The huge challenge facing Hawks, are Dockers flag favourites?
Chad Wingard, Josh Gabelich and Nat Edwards preview the biggest games and the key storylines ahead of Round 10
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02:24
The opera singer helping with high performance, are Dockers flag favourites?
Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Chad Wingard discuss the key talking points ahead of Calton’s clash with the Western Bulldogs, why it’s time for the Giants to stand up and debate if the Dockers premiership favourites?
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01:53
Suns’ love affair with Darwin, the importance of the Indigenous Power Cup
Nat Edwards and Josh Gabelich discuss Gold Coast’s recent love affair with Darwin while Chad Wingard explains the importance of the Power Cup and what it means for the younger Indigenous community.
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00:06
‘We need to give some love to a third gamer’: Why unheralded Swan is demanding more recognition
Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Chad Wingard discuss the key ins and outs for Sydney and Collingwood and the key Swan that you should be paying attention to.
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05:12
Pickett pocket vs Wizard Bay, Hawks’ injury crisis, Trelly’s draft story
Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Chad Wingard discuss the Hawks’ growing injury list, who can stop Max Gawn, Latrelle Pickett’s incredible draft story and if you’d rather sit in Pickett pocket or Wizard Bay.
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02:30
‘I feel like they’re the favourites’: Why Chad is ‘bullish’ on the Roos
Josh Gabelich believes the future is bright for North Melbourne after its impressive recent form and Chad Wingard explains why he is bullish on them to beat Adelaide this weekend.
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02:12
From Tumby Bay to the MCG: How ‘Trelly’ went from speculative rookie to a first-round draftee
Josh Gabelich’s Player Portrait recounts Latrelle Pickett’s incredible draft story; from speculative rookie to a late selection to a first rounder alongside cousin Kysaiah.
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00:02
‘It doesn’t make sense to me’: Breaking down Wanganeen-Milera’s ‘tricky’ injury
Nat Edwards, Josh Gabelich and Chad Wingard discuss St Kilda’s injury concerns headlined by stars Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Callum Wilkie.
"I think we saw enough of Bailey (at training) to know he's a lock unless something happens, and (Stewart) is very likely, but didn't do as much work as Bailey.
"(Stewart's) eager to play, but he's a realist too.
"This is unscientific, and I probably shouldn't say it, but my experience with him is his powers of recuperation are amazing.
"So it didn't surprise me to see him sort of bounce back pretty quickly."
