Geelong could be without key defender Lachie Henderson for Saturday night’s big clash with Adelaide after the defender was concussed during Geelong’s win over Fremantle last round.

The 26-year-old had went back with the flight of the ball in a marking contest with Docker Chris Mayne and teammate Harry Taylor closing in from the opposite direction.

Mayne collected Henderson as he reached out to try and mark, with the former Blue also landing heavily head-first on the ground.

Henderson was taken from the field on a stretcher, but gave a thumbs up to the crowd in a positive sign for the courageous Cat. He was later shown walking around inside the rooms and did not require a hospital visit for further observations.


Geelong coach Chris Scott said Henderson was “obviously sore” and would be monitored closely throughout the week.

“Sometimes it can look horrible and recover quickly and sometimes it is innocuous, you seem fine and three days later you are still struggling,” Scott said.

“We will just have to be patient on that one.”

Veteran Jimmy Bartel looms as a likely inclusion for Saturday night’s clash at Simonds Stadium.

The Brownlow Medallist was ‘managed’ last round and didn’t make the trip to Domain Stadium. Bartel is due to play his 299th AFL game.