Geelong defender Josh Hunt sidelined with glandular fever Geelong defender Josh Hunt is in doubt for the NAB Cup battling a bout of glandular fever. Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Geelong Advertiser DUAL Premiership Geelong defender Josh Hunt could face a delayed start to the season as he recovers from a bout of glandular fever. The long-kicking backman has been restricted to light duties since Christmas after being diagnosed with the energy-sapping illness several weeks ago. Tests were conducted after Hunt finished well back in a club time trial. It is believed he has since lost more than 3kg. Hunt, 30, watched from the sidelines as the rest of the Cats tackled North Melbourne in their second competitive stoppage work-out last Friday. Newly-recruited big man Hamish McIntosh (knee) also missed the hit-out against his old side. With nine weeks remaining before the Cats Round 1 clash against Hawthorn, Hunt is in a race against time to re-gain his strength and fitness before the club's blockbuster season-opener. Geelong football manager Neil Balme said it was difficult to place a time frame on Hunt's expected return, approaching his 12th AFL season. "We have made no decisions on NAB Cup, people recover from different things at different rates, so you wouldn't guess," Balme said. Obviously he has had to pull back a little bit because he has been struggling (with glandular fever). He'll be fine, it's just a bit of a setback. Geelong has exercised extreme caution in regards to its injured or ill players under coach Chris Scott. The careful medical policy helped expose 10 debutants to senior level last year - the most for a reigning premier since Richmond in 1970. The veteran backman played 18 games last year, including the elimination final loss to Fremantle, taking his career tally to 186 matches. Hunt has been a cornerstone of the Cats defence throughout their premiership era, with the 183cm stopper usually placed on the opposition's best small forward. His booming left foot has been widely regarded as one of the most lethal kicks in the competition. But he looks set to make way for Geelong's clutch of young running backmen, including Billie Smedts and impressive first-year draftee Jackson Thurlow, throughout the NAB Cup. The Cats will meet West Coast and Fremantle in Perth to kick-start the pre-season competition. Those who contract glandular fever are warned to avoid intense exercise and heavy contact for about one month or until the most acute phase of the illness has passed. While the severity of the illness varies, symptoms can include weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, rash and sore throat. North Melbourne recruit Ben Jacobs was stripped of eight kilograms and was hospitalised for five days when he contracted glandular fever in 2011. He missed two months of football.