http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/geelong-clear-on-ruck-recruit-but-...
Geelong clear on ruck recruit, but will wait on Vardy
Jake Niall
December 13, 2011
ORREN Stephenson's situation is as clear as Nathan Vardy's return date is uncertain. Stephenson, the 29-year-old ruckman plucked from the VFL, is not simply a depth chart player. The Cats say he is badly needed for senior duties.
Vardy, who is recovering from hip surgery, is yet to begin running and the Cats will not say when he will resume full training or, consequently, when he will play. While the club offers no specifics on his progress - besides saying confidently that the operation went well - recent history of pre-seasons suggests that he is little chance to play seniors in the opening few rounds.
With an improved Tom Hawkins no longer fitted to play second ruck and 204-centimetre Dawson Simpson not yet established, Stephenson, the only draftee known to have a daughter entering high school in his first season, is well positioned to play games as the back-up ruck to last year's No. 2 ruck, Trent West.
Geelong's football operations manager Steve Hocking said last night that Stephenson ''absolutely'' would play senior games next year. ''This guy is going to play, just as long as his form warrants it,'' Hocking said. ''We've seen the guy ruck against our guys too [in the VFL] and hold his own.''
The Cats said last night that they saw Vardy as a long-term prospect and thus would not hasten his return in any way that compromised his recovery. ''We won't rush him,'' said Hocking. ''He's a 10 to 12-year player.''
Hocking said the club did not wish to specify when Vardy would return to play, or even when he would resume training. ''It's not something we want to get too specific about, other than his operation has been successful.'' Vardy had surgery to repair cartilage in his hip late in the season. ''From Nathan's point of view, everything's gone well.''
Hocking said that Stephenson was recruited to replace Brad Ottens rather than as insurance for Vardy.
