Geelong ruckman Rhys Stanley is free to play in Friday night’s blockbuster at Adelaide Oval after being cleared of a rough conduct charge by the AFL Match Review Panel.

The 200cm, 98kg Cat was reported for a hit on West Coast’s Brad Sheppard during the second quarter of Geelong’s 44-point win over the Eagles at Simonds Stadium.

The AFL MRP dismissed the report on Monday after speaking to the umpire who laid the report on the day, and examining all available vision. It was the view of the panel that there was no significant high contact made to constitute a reportable offence.

But the Cats will be sweating on the fitness of two youngsters in the lead up to Friday’s Round Eight opener.

Lincoln McCarthy left the field during the opening quarter of Geelong’s win over the Eagles with an ankle injury and failed to return for the remainder of the match. The club is awaiting scans to determine the full extent of the injury, but Cats coach Chris Scott admitted the 22-year-old is unlikely to confront the Crows.

Speedster Nakia Cockatoo also came off the ground with a right calf complaint in the first term. The 19-year-old returned to the field just before half-time and managed to play out the game with heavy strapping.