MARK Blicavs' preparation for the biggest test of his career against Lance Franklin will be delayed as he battles a toe injury.
Blicavs, 12 games into his second-coming as a defender, has been reduced to a moon boot following Friday night's loss to the Western Bulldogs that threatens to derail Geelong's season.
The club remains confident Blicavs will be able to ramp up his training closer to Thursday's season-defining clash with the Swans after he copped a knock against the Dogs.
Franklin is set to play his first game against Geelong since last year's semi-final loss, as the superstar was sidelined with a bruised heel for the Swans' round six win at GMHBA Stadium.
After a shortage of key defenders to start the season, Geelong now has a luxury of choice ahead of the trip to Sydney.
Dual All Australian defender Harry Taylor played as a forward in his first game back from injury on Friday night, while Lachie Henderson played his third consecutive match back in the VFL on Saturday.
Henderson looks destined to be in the frame for an AFL return in round 17 against Adelaide, with the Swans' fixture just five days after the VFL win over Werribee.
The 28-year-old defender's comeback has been delayed after three knee surgeries since October limited his conditioning.
Midfielder Scott Selwood was managed through the bulk of the second half on Saturday and is expected to return to the senior side with three VFL matches to his name following a back complaint.
Daniel Menzel made a promising return from a groin injury that sidelined him for 10 weeks and will join Henderson in the conversation for the clash with the Crows.
Geelong's difficult period of fixturing will see players such as Henderson and Menzel managed through Sunday's upcoming VFL match, just four days before the AFL side meets the Crows.
Jackson Thurlow (26 disposals), Sam Simpson, Zach Guthrie and Jamaine Jones will be others in consideration over the next fortnight.
Cory Gregson sat out the VFL match with through soreness, George Horlin-Smith missed with a calf concern, while Nakia Cockatoo's return from a knee injury has been delayed after he fell ill.
GEELONG'S FIXTURE HEADACHE
AFL – Round 15 – Friday, June 29, defeated by Western Bulldogs
VFL – Round 13 – Saturday, June 30, defeated Werribee
AFL – Round 16 – Thursday, July 5 v Sydney
VFL – Round 14 – Sunday, July 8 v Frankston
AFL – Round 17 – Thursday, July 12 v Adelaide
VFL – Round 15 – Sunday, July 15 v Sandringham
