I was just wondering when you and Loats will be ready? I know it say one week for you, do you think you will definitely be back next week or it’s a maybe? – Vowlesy

SK: David Loats came back and played in the VFL last week and got through the game without any problems. It wasn’t ideal conditions for him, with a wet and windy day, but it was great to see him back playing. I am one – two weeks away. I’m back out on the track and if I get through next week I could play against Melbourne. I know some people have said I should wait, but once I am cleared to play and ready to go I will be back out there.


When you come back do you expect to go straight back into the ruck or to spend more time up forward until you get a bit more match fitness? – Simon

SK: A little bit of both Simon. I think I’ll have short runs on the ball and either rotate off the bench or spend time up forward.


What do you think about the form of Geelong's young gun Andrew Mackie. Do you think that if he stays fit he could be a 200 game player? He has been very impressive this year, why wasn't he getting a look into to the team last year? – Nick Martin

SK: Andrew has shown in his early games that he has the attributes needed to be a successful AFL player. He’ll be even better when he adds bulk and size to his frame. It’s not easy to play 200 games – a lot of things need to go your way with injuries and the like. I do think Andrew will enjoy a long and successful career and that in time he’ll be seen as one of the great draft selections by any club.


A question on the rules. If a player is tackled and the ball spills free, is the tackler entitled to receive the free kick? Why I ask is time after time the umpire either calls play on or bounces it. Get fit soon Stephen we need you. – Alan

SK: The holding the ball rule is one that everyone loves to debate! In short, if a player is tackled after having prior opportunity and the ball spills free – it’s a free kick. However if a player hasn’t had the chance to get rid of the ball and it’s forced loose in the tackle the umpire will call play on.


I'm a life long Geelong supporter and a member since 1991 and I want to know your opinion on the free to air TV rights, specifically the lack of Geelong games being televised (and some other teams) versus Collingwood getting every single game televised (have anything to do with Eddie????). Thanks and can't wait for you to come back!!! - Paul Guest

SK: As a club getting more free to air coverage is a focus. It’s important for our supporters that can’t get to the game to see us and obviously it’s good exposure for our sponsors. We would like to be on more often as our CEO Brian Cook has said in recent times. Our management will keep working on this issue to ensure a better deal for our fans.

Seeing Cameron Mooney playing good footy again is brilliant to see. What do you attribute his turn around in form to- a good preseason, a move to defense, and do you think Robert Walls was right when he said that Mooney "had spent six years in the system and never been fit"? - Paul Hellwege

SK: Cameron has played good footy this year since our very first Wizard Cup game in Cairns. Not sure how well Robert Walls knows Moons, but it’s true that he is in much better physical shape than last year. Not everybody knows, but Cam hurt his ankle badly last year in the pre-season and played through all of 2003 on a very bad ankle that required surgery over the summer. Now that he’s got that right and had a good preseason he’s firing. He had a good year in 2002 and I’m not surprised he’s back playing well again now that the injury problems of last year are behind him.