Chapman ruled out
17/09/2008 11:36 AM
Geelong has formally ruled a line through Paul Chapman's name this week with the dynamic forward to miss Friday night's preliminary final against the Western Bulldogs.
According to the club's official injury list released on Wednesday morning, Chapman requires another week to overcome a hamstring strain sustained in the Cats' qualifying final win over St Kilda last Sunday week.
Coach Mark Thompson said on Monday that Chapman, who has a history of soft tissue problems, would need to take part in the club's closed training session on Tuesday and complete Thursday's open session at Skilled Stadium to be considered for selection.
Chapman would appear to have failed the first test though remains in contention at this early stage for the grand final should the Cats get past the Bulldogs.
James Kelly, who hasn’t played since Round 20 because of a quad injury faces a fitness test, while Ryan Gamble, Shannon Byrnes and David Wojcinski are among the contenders to fill the vacancy left by Brent Prismall who ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament against the Saints.