TOM Lonergan sent a scare through the Geelong camp yesterday injuring his calf against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Oval.
In a big blow to the 25-year-old's chances of earning a senior recall for Sunday's game against Essendon at Etihad Stadium, Lonergan was not risked after halftime.
An eight-goal haul from Ben Johnson, a 22-year-old tall from Bell Park, lifted the Cats to a three-point win, their second of the season.
Lonergan was unlucky to be dropped by the Cats after taking six marks and having 12 disposals playing in defence against North Melbourne in Round 8.
Geelong coach Dale Amos still expects Lonergan, who had 10 disposals and took 10 marks in defence prior to coming off yesterday, to be available this week along with Adam Varcoe, who came off with hamstring soreness.
"I don't think (it's anything serious). It was more of a management thing than anything else," Amos said.
"Probably with the hard ground out there his calf tightened up and it was a bit of a no-risk policy. (And) Adam might have just tightened up a little bit. I think they will probably both come up."
Geelong, which trailed at every break, won the crucial battles, including hardball gets (48-35), inside-50s (57-49) and hitouts (51-33).
In a day of drama, Sandringham coach Andy Lovell was told just hours before the game that St Kilda defender Jason Gram would play.
Gram, who struggled with a thigh problem mid-week, was listed on the wing on Thursday night for yesterday's game against the Brisbane Lions and by Saturday had been replaced in the AFL side by Raphael Clarke.
But he turned up to play yesterday and was one of Sandringham's best with 19 possessions, three marks and a goal playing in the midfield and across half back.
St Kilda defender Max Hudghton had just 12 disposals but kept Cats captain and J.J. Liston Trophy winner James Podsiadly to just two goals.
Sandringham spearhead Nick Sautner booted five goals to take his season tally to 31.
Saint Matt Maguire had 14 disposals and four marks playing forward and in defence for the Zebras, while Geelong ruckman Trent West was a standout with 42 hitouts.
West, who has played just one AFL match this season, kept the pressure on senior ruckmen Mark Blake and Shane Mumford with 14 disposals and four marks against St Kilda-listed Ben McEvoy, who had 18 disposals and 23 hitouts.
AFL-listed midfielder Kane Tenace was one of Geelong's best with 33 disposals, while Nathan Djerrkura (28 touches) and rookie Brodie Moles (27) were impressive.
Lovell said he was bitterly disappointed his side let the game slip away.
"They were harder more committed, they won the contested ball, they won the clearances," he said. "At one point we were nearly seven goals in front and we just went away from our structure. Not taking anything away from Geelong, they were outstanding."
Also yesterday, Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt booted six goals as Coburg won by 60 points at Bendigo.
Essendon forward Scott Lucas booted three for the Bombers, who were well served by AFL-listed Michael Hurley, Hayden Skipworth and Brent Prismall.
At Chirnside Park, Carlton forward Brad Fisher booted four goals to help the Northern Bullants to a 32-point win against Werribee, while premiers North Ballarat defeated Casey Scorpions by 16 points at Eastern Oval in Ballarat.
On Saturday, ladder-leader Williamstown made it six straight wins with a 42-point thumping of Port Melbourne at home.
Seagulls forward Matthew Little booted three goals, while Western Bulldogs defender Stephen Tiller put his hand up for Saturday's game against Sydney at Canberra's Manuka Oval with a dominant performance.
And Shannon Grant is still searching for his first win as Frankston coach after the Dolphins lost their seventh game of the season, by 100 points at Box Hill.
Hawthorn premiership player Stuart Dew will come into contention for Sunday's game against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium after booting four goals to go with 23 disposals for Box Hill.
