Geelong have been hit with a massive blow for tonight’s AFL qualifying final against Port Adelaide with superstar Tom Stewart a late out.

Stewart was subbed out of the Round 24 clash against West Coast two weeks ago with a hamstring issue that the club initially said was precautionary.

Coach Chris Scott also dismissed concerns over the five-time All-Australian when he spoke to media earlier this week.

But in a hammer blow to the Cats’ chances, the club said Stewart fell ill on the morning of the clash at Adelaide Oval.

Oisin Mullin has earned the call to replace his veteran teammate.

Stewart had recently moved into the midfield to devastating effect and remains one of the most important players in the team.

Stewart’s expected withdrawal came after Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley stressed he was determined not to be fooled by the trickery of his Geelong counterpart Scott.

Hinkley knows Scott will delve deep into his savvy strategies when Port host the Cats at Adelaide Oval.

Scott is a modern master of AFL coaching, renowned for shrewd tactics that can mess with a rival’s plans.

He also has a reputation for swinging late changes.

“We would rather play our game,” Hinkley said ahead of the opening fixture of the AFL finals.

“If you watch them play, they do have a lot of tricks that they throw around at you.

“So we’re going to make sure we do our best and not get distracted by it.”

- with AAP