GEELONG has received some positive news, after in form defender Tom Stewart injured his ankle against Brisbane on Saturday.

There were concerns Stewart — who is in All-Australian contention — may have succumbed to a syndesmosis injury, which would have all but ended his season.

But Geelong coach Chris Scott revealed Stewart had merely suffered a high ankle sprain.

“It’s certainly better than we thought, so the early diagnosis was that it was a very serious injury and he’ll probably miss the rest of the year,” Scott said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.

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“I think Tom’s putting on a brave face, I think he’s calling it a ‘flesh wound’ at the moment. I think it’s a little bit more serious than that. He’s pretty tough.

“I think in his mind, he hasn’t ruled out this week, which I think is ridiculous, but it’s nice to know there’s a chance he’ll come back this year.”

Despite the positive news, Stewart is highly unlikely to face Richmond in Friday night’s blockbuster at the MCG.

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The 42-point win over the Lions moved Geelong into eighth spot, ahead of Sydney by percentage only, and Scott is eyeing an upset win over the Tigers to help shore up his side’s position in the eight.

“I think they’re clearly the best team in the competition at the moment, but they’re not so dominant that if they have an off day that they won’t get beaten,” Scott said.

“The ladder from second to 10th or 12th is very tight and you can make an argument for any one of those teams (to win) on their day.”

Stewart, 25, has played 18 matches for the Cats in 2018, after being selected with Pick 40 in the 2016 draft.

The mature-age recruit has excelled in his second year in the AFL system, as one of the best rebounding defenders in the competition.

— with AAP