In today’s AFL briefing, your daily wrap of footy news:
- The Cats secure ultimate utility, Mark Blicavs, for two more years
- Sun King, Ben, says he’s staying on the Gold Coast
- Young Roo Comben eyes return in 10 weeks’ time
Geelong have extended the contract of premiership utility Mark Blicavs, locking him in until the end of 2025 as they continue to tinker with their premiership list.
He joins stars Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Stewart and Jeremy Cameron as players locked in at Geelong beyond this season as the club continues to work through decisions on a raft of players out of contract at the end of this season.
Mark Blicavs played mostly as a ruckman against Essendon’s Sam Draper on Sunday, and has now inked a contract extension at the Cattery.Credit: AFL Photos
Champion forward Tom Hawkins heads that list, but the 34-year-old, who kicked a career-high eight goals on Sunday, is unlikely to make a decision on whether to play on in 2024 until later in the year.
Cats’ coach Chris Scott said post-game that Hawkins was showing no signs of slowing down.
Ruckman Rhys Stanley, presently out of the team after suffering a fractured eye socket, is unsigned beyond this year, as are veterans Isaac Smith and Zach Tuohy. Esava Ratugolea is also in the final year of his contract after requesting a trade to Port Adelaide at the end of 2022.
However, the Cats have delivered on their promise to give him an opportunity this season, and he has been excellent as a key defender, particularly after the Cats were hit with injuries in the back-half early in the season.
Blicavs, a dual best-and-fairest winner, was an integral part of the Cats’ flag in 2022 playing a hybrid midfield-ruck role that gave Geelong an advantage over their opposition.
He said it was an easy decision for him to stay at the club which gave him a chance as a category B rookie.
The talented athlete is an important player at the Cats, his versatility allowing him to fill multiple roles as well as use his running power to assist defensively.
Blicavs signed a five-year deal in 2018 and has now played 234 games for Geelong after making his debut in round one of 2013.
He was named All-Australian last season and has recaptured his good form in the past month as Geelong have won four consecutive matches.
Cats list boss Andrew Mackie praised Blicavs for his contribution.
“Mark continues to be a really important player for us,” Mackie said.
“He has shown a high level of consistency over his career and has worked extremely hard to become the player he is, and his high training standards see him continue to improve each season.
“While Mark plays a critical on-field role, he is also a leader off it. He is a popular member of the team and has great relationships across the playing squad.”
The Cats also confirmed an extended contract for 20-year-old wingman Mitch Knevitt, securing him until the end of 2025. He played his second match for the season on Sunday against Essendon, in addition to two matches in 2022.
Firing Sun King dismisses AFL trade rumours
Straight-kicking, straight-talking Ben King has treated speculation about his AFL future with disinterest, reinforcing his commitment to Gold Coast as he enjoys a return to form.
Spearhead Ben King celebrates a goal against Richmond at the weekend.Credit: AFL Photos
The tall forward had the fumbles early in the season but has grown in confidence to kick 11 straight goals without a behind in his last three games.
He’s kicked 16.3 this season in the Suns’ 3-4 start, managing at least one goal in each of the first seven games of a two-year contract extension he signed while sidelined with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament a year ago.
That hasn’t stopped the rumour mill from turning, with Collingwood reportedly keen on the 22-year-old’s services beyond 2024.
St Kilda, where King’s twin brother Max plays, are also said to be interested.
But the player points to a house purchase and his girlfriend’s move north as an indication he plans to make the Suns his long-term home.
“I don’t read any of it to be honest, don’t see any of it,” he said.
“I’m not on Facebook, not across much AFL news.
“It doesn’t affect me. I’ve just played seven games of the new contract I’ve signed.
“As I’ve always said, I’m loving football up here and loving life on the Gold Coast, so it doesn’t really enter my mind.
“Talk like that is just part of the industry and what happens with everyone. I’m pretty used to it.
“I’m really settled, love playing football with these blokes.”
King has kicked five- and four-goal bags in back-to-back defeats of North Melbourne and Richmond that have revived the Suns’ hopes of a maiden finals appearance.
“As expected, missing a lot of football (I knew) there’d be a gradual build into it,” he said.
“I’ve been very grateful to just be playing with my teammates again and having a coupe of wins. Those are the moments I’ve missed and been thinking about. It’s been pretty special.”
– AAP
Roos forward Charlie Comben eyes return in 10 weeks
North Melbourne forward Charlie Comben could make a remarkable AFL return in just 10 weeks, despite suffering a broken leg so horrific the broadcaster decided against showing replays.
Charlie Comben in pain after sustaining the injury against Melbourne on Saturday.Credit: AFL Photos
Comben went straight to hospital for surgery to repair his left leg, broken in the opening quarter of his side’s 90-point loss to Melbourne on Saturday.
It was widely expected the 21-year-old would miss the rest of the season because of the gruesome injury, but on Tuesday the Kangaroos released a far more positive prognosis.
“Charlie’s injury is similar to Tristan Xerri’s from round one, so a high-grade syndesmosis with a fibula fracture,” North Melbourne’s head of performance Kevin White told the club’s website.
“He’s looking at a similar length of probably 10 weeks for his return to play.”
The Kangaroos are hopeful of regaining star midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke (heel) for Sunday’s clash with St Kilda.
The Saints received mixed news on the injury front.
Jack Hayes’ rehabilitation from a foot injury was dealt a huge blow, with scans confirming a significant strain to his left hamstring which will sideline him for a minimum of eight weeks. But key forward Max King (hamstring/shoulder) is on track to return to full-contact training this week, with a possible playing return in one or two weeks.
Scott Pendlebury is expected to return for Collingwood.Credit: Getty Images
Jimmy Webster (fractured cheekbone) could be back next week.
Collingwood are optimistic Scott Pendlebury will be able to return for Sunday’s match against Sydney, while ruckman Mason Cox (haematoma) could be a surprise inclusion if given the all-clear by his specialist.
The Swans hope to welcome back Robbie Fox from concussion.
West Coast premiership hero Dom Sheed is set to return for Saturday’s match with Richmond at the MCG, but the main chunk of the Eagles’ cavalry will not be sighted for weeks or months.
Sheed has been restricted to non-contact duties since suffering a fractured larynx in a freak training mishap in the days after the round-three derby loss to Fremantle.
The 28-year-old was close to playing in last week’s 108-point loss to Carlton, and West Coast are confident he’ll be cleared to take on the Tigers.
Defender Rhett Bazzo will miss at least a week through concussion, while Sam Petrevski-Seton copped a one-match ban for a dangerous tackle.
Campbell Chesser could return for next week’s home clash with Gold Coast, while Brady Hough, Harry Edwards, Elijah Hewett and Noah Long are set to be back within the next three weeks.
But West Coast stars Nic Naitanui (7-8 weeks), Jeremy McGovern (7-8 weeks), Jamie Cripps (12-14 weeks), Liam Ryan (10-12 weeks) and Tom Cole (9-10 weeks) won’t be back until after the mid-season bye.
Skipper Luke Shuey (ankle) is listed as being four to five weeks away, while Elliot Yeo (groin) will spend another three to four weeks on the sidelines.
Fremantle are optimistic former skipper Nat Fyfe (plantar fasciitis) will be cleared to play this week, either at AFL or WAFL level.
Defender Heath Chapman is set for an extended period on the sidelines after injuring his hamstring at training last week, but Michael Frederick (adductor) could return against the Hawks.
The Demons could welcome back Charlie Spargo and Harrison Petty from concussion for Saturday’s encounter with Gold Coast.
– AAP
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