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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03:46
Why Bevo shouldn’t question Bont, Ed’s rich vein of form, who can stop Gawn?
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discuss why Marcus Bontempelli should return despite the result not meaning anything for Western Bulldogs, his teammate Ed Richard’s vein of form and if there is a player on the Dogs’ list that can match it with Max Gawn.
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07:53
Fraser’s free hit, Rising Star battle heats up, Docker ruled out
Nathan Schmook joins Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards to discuss Josh Fraser’s appointment as Carlton’s senior coach, which Fremantle stars will miss the clash, the Blues’ Rising Star battle and Shai Bolton’s remarkable form.
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01:40
Tex returns, will game 250 be Jake’s last as a Giant?
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discuss Taylor Walker returning to the Adelaide lineup after being managed in Round 23 before celebrating Jake Stringer’s 250th match in what could be his last as a Giant.
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02:17
Celebrating Hilly’s ‘incredible journey’ to 300 games
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discuss Bailey Humphrey’s contract extension with the Suns before celebrating Brad Hill’s incredible journey leading up to his 300th game this weekend, just the ninth indigenous player to reach the milestone.
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25:14
The Round Ahead: Freo star ruled out, Friday night superstar face-off, stalwarts join 300 club
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards preview the biggest games and storylines ahead of Round 24
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02:26
Gunston’s ‘magnificent’ milestone, the issues Hawks must fix
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discussing the issues Hawthorn need to fix before finals before celebrating the ‘phenomenal’ career of stalwart Jack Gunston.
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03:02
‘Nothing short of phenomenal’: AFL icons join the 300 club
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards celebrate the incredible careers of Jack Gunston and Brad Hill who both play game 300 this weekend.
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01:31
Butters’ farewell push, AFLW/AFL double-headers, will Jezza return?
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards discuss Zak Butters push to play in what might be his last game for Port Adelaide, the AFLW/AFL double-headers scheduled this weekend and the likelihood of Jeremy Cameron returning from injury for the Cats’ clash with Richmond.
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03:19
Superstars face off in Friday night footy, the young Pies thriving under Fly
Sarah Hosking and Nat Edwards preview Friday night footy and discuss the inexperienced Magpies thriving under Craig McRae and the mouth-watering clash between Nick Daicos and Will Ashcroft.
"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."
