‘It’s frustrating’: Cats fears over star’s injury blow; Tassie stadium clears huge hurdle — AFL Daily

Chris Scott has provided an update on a star’s injury setback that looks serious. Plus Tasmania’s billion-dollar stadium has passed a key hurdle.

The latest footy news and updates in AFL Daily!

Watch every match of every round of the AFL Premiership Season LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

CATS FEARING SERIOUS SETBACK TO STAR AS DUO AS DUO STRUCK DOWN

Geelong is fearing Max Holmes has suffered a syndesmosis injury in what could strike another devastating blow to the club’s premiership campaign.

Holmes suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of the Cats’ Thursday night win over St Kilda after he landed awkwardly in a contest, while Shaun Mannagh (hamstring tightness) also failed to finish the game to sour the result.

Speaking post-match, Cats coach Chris Scott said that while early suggestions were that Holmes has a syndesmosis injury, he couldn’t yet confirm the extent of it ahead of scans.

“They won’t know until they’ve had a decent look at it,” Scott told reporters.

“It was pretty clear that he couldn’t come back on, so that’s always my measure in the immediate aftermath.

“I think everyone says syndesmosis these days, that’s the easy to go. There has been that suggestion, but I covered my ears, to be honest.

“I’ll just wait to see what it is and deal with it when we know.”

READ ALSO

‘BIGGEST HEADACHE IN AFL’: Star having ‘greatest ruck season’ in history... and might’ve cost himself a Brownlow

‘CREATING YOUR OWN STORY’: Lyon responds to ‘disappointing’ trade reports over in-form Marshall

‘I WAS CONFIDENT, BUT...’: Cats star’s brutally honest reveal over injury mystery before huge return

It comes after fellow Cats star Jeremy Cameron last week suffered an ACL joint injury set to sideline the dual Coleman medallist for four to six weeks.

“Obviously it’s frustrating, but it is the game,” Scott continued.

“If you asked me a couple of weeks ago, who do you really not want to lose? Cameron and Holmes would be up there.”

Meanwhile, Scott said Geelong’s scoreboard supremacy in the fourth quarter made it an “easier” call to end Mannagh’s night early as they await further details.

“They were just saying a tight hamstring, I haven’t got the detail on that,” Scott said.

“I think by that stage, maybe it was three-quarter time. I’m a pessimist when it comes to the scoreboard in the last quarter.

“But when it became clear we didn’t think we needed to put him back on, that decision became easier.”

TASSIE STADIUM CLEARS HUGE HURDLE

Tasmania’s billion-dollar stadium has reportedly cleared one its biggest hurdles after secret trials validated a prototype section of the roof.

According to The Age, a prototype section of the roof was put over a cricket pitch at the site of the planned Macquarie Point Stadium earlier this year for a three-month trial.

It was tested by cricketers, broadcasters and specialist lighting experts for factors like how light comes through, visibility and shadows on the playing surface.

The selected material of the roof is ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), most used for large-span roofs and building facades. Though the Macquarie Point design has a matte finish to repel natural sunlight and shadows.

Cricket Australia, who’s been critical of the new stadium’s roof due to how it could impact shadows over centre wicket, and Cricket Tasmania were involved in the trial.

While the stadium’s overall cost blowout ahead of the Devils’ planned AFL entry in 2028 has been among the biggest concerns for the 19th club, the roof has been a key hurdle.

“The findings have helped support the existing design of the roof and facilitated specific playability testing in simulated lighting – full and direct sunlight – conditions,” Stadiums Tasmania chief executive James Avery said.

“It confirms that cricket can be played without shadowing impacting the players’ view of the oncoming ball.”

Devils chief Brendon Gale last month allayed fears around the Hobart stadium — projected to be built by 2031 and a condition of the team’s entry.

Gale confirmed plans were on track, starting with the Significant Early Works Package Program pre-construction phase in July.

“The Macquarie Point Development Corporation briefed our board last month, shortlisted tenders, they’re going through their whole process,” he said on AFL 360.

“There’s nothing from them to suggest that things aren’t on track.

“We’re really excited. Anticipated completion around the back-end of 2030, that was always going to be the case.

“It’ll need to be commissioned, tried-and-tested and we’ll be starting in 2031.

“We’re moving ahead, we’ve received nothing but encouragement from the AFL. We’re really excited, we’re enthused.”

Click here to read article