Torquay will debut the son of the club’s games record-holder in tomorrow’s clash with Portarlington at Ron Evans Oval.
Roy Dixon, son of two-time premiership star Brent, has been named for the clash with the Demons as the Tigers look to maintain their perfect record approaching the halfway mark of the Bellarine season.
Like his dad, the younger Dixon also wears the no.36.
“It’s really exciting for the club,” coach Dom Gleeson said.
“We’ve wanted to play him all year. We played him over the practice matches, and he was outstanding.
“But, with such a solid lineup in our defence, it’s been hard to squeeze him in.
“With some injuries and his form, we’ve been able to get him in.
“We nicknamed him ‘Future’ among a few of us, and he is one of our future players that we’ll build the club around.”
He is likely to replace captain Ben McNamara, who has a slight hamstring injury.
Tom Grace will also be sidelined as he serves a one-match suspension for an incident in last week’s win over Queenscliff.
Torquay has also named Clay Page for his first senior game of the season after two appearances in the reserves, while Charlie Ham is back after missing the past three games.
Patrick Hughes has been selected but remains in line to retain his spot in Geelong’s VFL team.
For the first time in Gleeson’s ten-season tenure as coach of the Tigers, they head to Portarlington facing a legitimate challenge.
The Demons pushed finals-bound Anglesea to nine points last week to fall just short of their third win of the season.
“They’re playing a great brand of footy, with a nice, even spread of players,” Gleeson said.
“They’re coached really well. You can see there’s a game style, and he’s got the players on the paddock he can coach.
“It’s so exciting for our league.
“Contrary to what people might think, (that) you can walk down to Portarlington (and win); it doesn’t happen any more.”
The Demons will be without former AFL player Jaryd Cachia through suspension.
Already missing Cam Delaney, Drysdale has now lost Tom Ruggles to a back issue ahead of its trip down Grubb Road for a meeting with Ocean Grove at Ray Menzies Oval.
Uncapped under-18 player Rohan McRae and former BFNL Rookie of the Year Kyle Davis have been named on an extended bench for the Hawks.
The winless Grubbers will be without playing co-coach Nick Bourke (hamstring)
James Allen will play his first game of the season among three changes made by Barwon Heads for its clash with Queenscliff at Howard Harmer Oval.
Luca Vella been recalled from the reserves, while Hepburn recruit Jack Pedretti will make his senior debut for the Seagulls.
They replace Reid Adams, whose career is likely over after suffering a ruptured ACL, Geelong Falcons listed Marley Cornell (foot) and Tom Swift.
The Coutas welcome back Joe Cincotta and Will Baker. However, they’ve lost Max Waight, who will make his Falcons debut.
Captain Harry Kershaw and Zac Nelson return to strengthen Geelong Amateur for its crucial meeting with fellow double-chance hopeful Anglesea at Ellimatta Reserve.
Patrick Ryan goes out of the team that had the better of Drysdale last week.
Despite suffering an injury last week, gun onballer Blake Sutterby has been named.
The Roos welcome back Harrison Veale, Anton Woods, Courtney Wedderburn, Fergus Huntington, Nick Swain and vice-captain Liam Holland.
They replace the omitted Tom Presnell, Myles Brinkworth, Ike Hardman, Liam Carolan, and James Gray, while captain James Carr has been managed
Newcomb has named Mason Andrews for his first game in a month ahead of the Power’s trip to Mt Moriac Reserve for a meeting with Modewarre.
Andrews, who last played in Round 4, replaces Kyle Sykstus.
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