“I think he is in a similar position, potentially touch and go for the first game, but, again, not exactly sure what the timeline is,” Moore said.
The absence of Moore and Howe was noticeable against the Giants, for the Magpies were exploited in the air in their defensive 50-metre arc.
Moore said the Magpies continued to rally around Norm Smith medallist Bobby Hill, who has been granted personal leave. Hill was also absent from the club for periods through 2025, and there is a possibility he may not play this season.
“He has clearly taken an extended period of leave. The focus for him, and us, is his wellbeing. We are not putting any timelines or pressure on that. We are respecting Bobby’s space,” Moore said.
Star midfielder Nick Daicos has said he is likely to be deployed at full-forward at times this season, emulating a role his father Peter, also a blue-chip midfielder, played in the latter years of his premiership-winning career.
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Moore said it was “exciting” to have Daicos spend more time inside attacking 50m, for it would also allow Jamie Elliott – by far the Magpies’ leading goalkicker (60) last season – to show his skills further afield.
Meanwhile, Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield said Jeremy Cameron was recovering well from a quad strain, which contributed to the premiership star missing this month’s State of Origin clash and last week’s match simulation against Hawthorn.
“He is on track. Obviously, he had a hiccup with that quad, otherwise he would have played [against Hawthorn]. But all signs, at the moment – he’s in full training today – point towards there being no issue around opening round. I would say he will be ready to go,” Dangerfield said.
The Blues host the Cats in a community series clash at Ikon Park on Wednesday. The Cats open their home-and-away campaign with a trip to the Gold Coast to face the Suns.
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