Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Geelong Cats vs Fremantle will go ahead at Optus Stadium on Thursday night without Bailey Smith and Tom Stewart, with Geelong losing two major players before a match that could shape the top four race in the AFL.

Smith has been ruled out through illness, while Stewart has not been cleared to return from the concussion he suffered in the Round 13 loss to Adelaide. Jeremy Cameron has been named despite a hip concern, giving Geelong an important forward target.

For more AFL coverage, read Damien Hardwick admits he crossed the line after AFL warning amid Suns struggles. Fans can also follow official updates through the AFL team line-ups page.

Geelong lose midfield and defensive class

Jack Bowes comes into the Geelong side after missing last week’s win over Gold Coast as a late withdrawal. He replaces Smith, who has averaged a career-high 32.3 possessions and 5.5 clearances per game this season.

Stewart’s absence also leaves a major gap in defence for the third-placed Geelong Cats, who enter the match with a 9-5 record. His reading of the play and intercept work have been central to Geelong’s back-half control.

Fremantle regain three key players

Fremantle, sitting on top of the AFL ladder at 12-1, regain Caleb Serong, Brennan Cox and Matthew Johnson. Oscar McDonald makes way for Cox, while Jaeger O’Meara and Corey Wagner also drop out.

The Dockers are chasing a club-record 13th straight win and will mark captain Alex Pearce’s 150th AFL game. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir praised Pearce’s leadership before the milestone.

“I’m super proud,” Longmuir said ahead of Pearce’s milestone game.

“I think the AFL world’s slowly caught on to how good a leader he is.

“The resilience he’s shown to be able to get over his injuries and become a more consistent player (is admirable).

“And then not only just focus on himself in those moments, but make sure he’s focusing on the team and how we’re getting better has been a pleasure to watch. I’m glad the rest of the competition’s caught on.”

Pearce’s defensive timing will be central against a Geelong attack led by Jeremy Cameron. Fremantle’s only loss this season came against Geelong in Round 1, when they gave up a 35-point lead before falling by 10 points at GMHBA Stadium.