Another star Cat in doubt for Opening Round

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield revealed on Tuesday night that he is in doubt to face Gold Coast this weekend due to a calf issue.

Dangerfield copped a knock a few weeks ago, and sees Thursday's training session as "D-Day".

"I've got to get through a session on Thursday morning," he said on Fox Footy.

"I had a calf knock a couple of weeks ago and couldn't get to speed against Carlton (in the practice match) and the same thing today ... we won't take a risk that's unnecessary, regardless of whether it's Round 1.

"You'd rather miss one than miss four. Thursday morning is sort of D-Day around me and we've probably got a few others in that boat in terms of the decision we make and whether it's a conservative one or more aggressive."

"We won't take a risk..."

Patrick Dangerfield reveals on #AFL360 he's in doubt for the Opening Round clash with Gold Coast. pic.twitter.com/E9iNEy37XU

— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) March 3, 2026

It comes as a host of other Cats face fitness tests ahead of Friday.

Jeremy Cameron and Bailey Smith have been given the green light by coach Chris Scott. while Gryan Miers will be put through his paces to overcome a thumb injury.

Ruckman Rhys Stanley has been ruled out, opening the door for Mitch Edwards to debut.

Shannon Neale has been cleared despite sustaining a shin injury last week against Carlton.

Given the uncertainty of their forward mix, Jay Polkinghorne is also in the frame to debut after an impressive pre-season.