Relieved Geelong forward Lincoln McCarthy has avoided a serious ankle injury and is some chance to take on Adelaide on Friday night.
McCarthy injured his ankle in the first quarter of Saturday's clash against West Coast at Simonds Stadium and sat out the rest of the match. The 22-year-old was on crutches after the game and was sent for precautionary scans that have cleared him of any damage.
"The prognosis is positive and now we will assess how quickly the ankle responds to treatment," Cats football manager Steve Hocking said.
"There has been rapid improvement since Saturday and Lincoln is a chance to play on Friday night. Our medical staff will continue to work with him to determine whether he can get through the game this week."
McCarthy has proven to be Geelong's most dangerous small forward, kicking seven goals in six games this season.
His aerial ability, for a player who stands 178cm, is a feature of his game, while his tackling pressure and toughness over the footy have also stood out.
Should McCarthy not be passed fit after the six-day turnaround, Cory Gregson – who gathered 16 disposals at VFL level at the weekend – looms as his likely replacement.
The Cats could also opt to give midfielder George Horlin-Smith his chance after 25 touches (12 contested) and two goals for the Cats' VFL side.
McCarthy was rested for the Cats' Round Four duel with Essendon, and Scott said recently the club would continue to be cautious with his comeback to football after a dreadful run of injuries over the past few years.
He’s played just 11 games in five seasons on Geelong's list due to a luckless run with an ongoing navicular injury after being selected with pick No.66 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.
