Cameron injury doubts force Geelong to consider left-field option for season opener

Geelong may be forced to unleash untried key forward Jay Polkinghorne after a strong outing in Monday's match simulation against Hawthorn.

With doubts surrounding Jeremy Cameron's availability, as he works through a broken arm sustained in last year's grand final, Polkinghorne could be the early-season solution.

Cameron was withdrawn from Saturday's State of Origin clash, and has only recently begun contact training.

Tyson Stengle is also in doubt for the club's season-opening clash against Gold Coast as he works his way back from personal leave taken during the summer months, potentially opening another vacancy in the Geelong forward line.

Polkinghorne stood out for the Cats' at Dingley alongside Shannon Neale and Ollie Henry, turning selectors' heads with multiple goals and follow-up efforts.

"I thought Jay Polkinghorne was very good up forward," Geelong assistant coach James Rahilly said.

"We're probably one spot less (in the forward line). He definitely put his hand up today. He competes so well, even when he didn't mark it. He brought the ball to ground, and he probably could've kicked a few more.

"He's another young player that's really been working hard on his craft."

Geelong's ruck intrigue hit fever pitch on Monday, with Joe Pike and Mitch Edwards battling out against seasoned talls Lloyd Meek and Ned Reeves.

Rhys Stanley has doubt around his availability and is unlikely to take on the Blues, leaving Edwards and Pike to press their case.

"Rhys is trying to come back, but he might be a little bit behind," Rahilly added.

"But Mitch Edwards is definitely a chance. We threw a few things, (Sam) de Koning went in as well, we used Shannon Neale, and even Pikey (Joe Pike) was alright, going forward and in the ruck.

"But Mitch has the ability to get after the ball. He's 208cm, but he's pretty agile for someone his size."

The Cats got through the hotly contested clash relatively unscathed, although utility Jack Bowes came from the field with calf tightness.

Tanner Bruhn's return game was put on hold as he battles a fever, but he will be pushing for next Wednesday's (February 25) match against Carlton at Ikon Park.

As will be premiership defender Zach Guthrie, who was also withdrawn with illness.

Mark Blicavs is all but certain to get some minutes under his belt against the Blues, with Rahilly saying the tall could've featured against the Hawks.