Esava isn’t ‘going anywhere’

GEELONG coach Chris Scott is adamant Esava Ratugolea isn’t “going anywhere” as the race for the defender’s services heats up.

Ratugolea’s contract expires at the end of the season and Port Adelaide are reportedly circling the 70-game backman.

Geelong thwarted Port’s bid to snare Ratugolea at the end of last year and Scott indicated the Cats will fight tooth and nail again to retain the 24-year-old.

“As to how hard we fight for him – about as hard as last year. He’s not going anywhere,” Scott told reporters on Tuesday.

“If I were Esava, I would take it as a compliment that other teams are interested and as a coach I certainly do.

“We’ve got players that other teams want.”

Ratugolea, who has been a revelation since being switched from attack to defence during the off-season, will return from a hamstring injury in Friday night’s clash with Sydney at the SCG.

Scott confirmed star veteran Patrick Dangerfield would join Ratugolea in the side.

Dangerfield has been sidelined since suffering a partially collapsed lung and cracked rib in the round-14 loss to Port Adelaide.

The 33-year-old was unable to fly straight after that game, forcing him to drive eight hours to his home in Moggs Creek.

Scott said Dangerfield had been passed fit to play against Sydney.

“He’s fine. He was close last week,” Scott said.

“As we alluded to, we were going to be cautious with him.

“He had a lung issue and that was the problem we needed to be really sure about.

“I’ve said a number of times I don’t think it’s the modern way at our club anyway to risk any player, irrespective of status within the group.

“He’s trained as expected so good to have him back.”

Forward Jeremy Cameron will miss the match after being concussed in the win over Melbourne.

Scott is hopeful Cameron will return for next week’s clash with North Melbourne.

“The pleasing thing for me is he looks normal around the place, he is his happy self,” Scott said.

“He’s in the concussion protocols. He has a bit of a shoulder issue from that contact as well.

“I’m optimistic that once he’s out of the protocols he’ll be ready to play.

“He will probably have a shoulder strapped up when he comes back.”

(C) AAP 2023 – By: Justin Chadwick