Johnson Doubtful Again, Bartel Back

Geelong coach Mark Thompson has admitted popular $405k forward Stevie Johnson could miss another match whilst acknowledging Jimmy Bartel should return this week.

Johnson has missed the last couple of weeks with a hip complaint and could be unavailable again for the Grand Final re-match with Hawthorn this weekend.

The Geelong coach also elaborated on injuries to $198k defender Tom Harley and $364k midfielder James Kelly along with Bartel.

Thompson said, “(Jimmy) Bartel is a good chance to come back, (James) Kelly is a really good chance to come back and Stevie Johnson’s got to tick a few boxes and Tom Harley the same.

“Johnson’s about 70-30, maybe 80-20. Harley’s a touch behind Steve but I think he’s pretty keen to play.

“The two most likely are Bartel and Kelly.”

$217k def David Johnson has also been listed as facing a test after a calf injury, while $109k midfielder Nathan Djerrkura will definitely miss another week with a corked thigh.