Geelong pair Zac Bates and Billie Smedts will finally make their long awaited returns from injury this weekend via the VFL.
Smedts has been sidelined for most of the season after breaking his leg earlier this year, while Bates will also return after an extended layoff due to a quad injury.
“He’s (Smedts) had a number of weeks out (with) an unfortunate break of his leg earlier in the year,” Geelong's head physio Mark Young said.
“He’s trained really hard and he’ll now come back into the VFL team this weekend. He’s ready to go.”
Meanwhile, defender Jed Bews faces a fitness test after being concussed in the VFL last week.
At senior level, Nakia Cockatoo (knee) and Daniel Menzel (groin) will face fitness tests this week after the pair both missed Sunday's come from behind win over Richmond at the MCG.
“Both of those players have been downloaded to allow their niggles to settle,” Young said.
“They’ll both train this week and be a test later this weekend.”
Geelong face Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon.
