Three-time best-and-fairest Amy McDonald will play her first game in a month when Geelong travels to Perth to play Waalitj Marawar (West Coast) in Saturday’s Week 9 AFLW clash at Mineral Resources Park.
The star midfielder has been sidelined since the loss to Hawthorn on September 26.
McDonald is one of two changes for the Cats, with Irish hard-nut Rachel Kearns returning from a concussion that kept her out of last week’s crucial win over the Brisbane Lions.
They replace Gabbi Featherson (hamstring) and last week’s debutant Chantal Mason, who is one of three emergencies despite being listed as injured.
A win over the Eagles is crucial if Geelong is to keep its season alive heading into the final match of the season.
A loss will see the Cats playing for pride only against Kuwarna (Adelaide).
GEELONG
INS: R. Kearns, A. McDonald
OUTS: G. Featherston (hamstring), C. Mason (injury)
FB [16] Chantel Emonson,[26] Claudia Gunjaca
HB [21] Rebecca Webster,[11] Meghan McDonald,[18] Anna-Rose Kennedy
C [20] Zali Friswell,[41] Georgie Prespakis,[6] Julia Crockett-Grills
HF [1] Mikayla Bowen,[5] Jacqueline Parry,[7] Kate Surman
FF [45] Aishling Moloney,[15] Shelley Scott
FOL [8] Kate Darby,[3] Amy McDonald,[9] Nina Morrison
IC [2] Bella K. Smith,[25] Caitlin Thorne,[44] Melissa Bragg,[10] Georgie Rankin,[22] Rachel Kearns
EMG [39] Abbey McDonald,[19] Brooke Plummer,[24] Chantal Mason
