Geelong’s first pick in last year’s National Draft will get the chance to impress in tomorrow’s (Monday’s) match simulation against Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium.
Dynamic 191cm forward Jay Polkinghorne, who joined the club with pick 44 from SANFL club Norwood, is among the 31-man squad confirmed by the Cats for the contest of four 30-minute quarters.
The other new face is former Western Bulldog Bailey Smith. However, Carlton recruit Jack Martin won’t play.
Uncapped 2023 draftees George Steven and Oli Wiltshire have also been selected.
Geelong will feature 20 members of the 23 that surrendered the preliminary final to eventual premier Brisbane.
Small forward Tyson Stengle and young half-back Lawson Humphries are unavailable after featuring in the Indigenous All-Stars’ win over Fremantle last night.
As previously reported, the Cats will be without veteran Cam Guthrie (Achilles), forward Shaun Mannagh, and luckless young ruck Toby Conway.
“Cameron Guthrie will be unavailable for the upcoming Match Simulation and AAMI Community Series games against Hawthorn and Essendon as he deals with an Achilles injury,” an injury report from the club said.
“Shaun Mannagh has been managed throughout the pre-season with a right foot stress injury.
“He has commenced running over recent weeks and will be reintegrated back into football drills in the next fortnight. A return-to-play timeline will be determined ahead of Opening Round.
“Toby Conway has been managed throughout the pre-season with a back injury.
“In the last week, he has commenced running and will begin a conditioning block with the aim of being integrated back into football drills in the next four weeks.”
Rookie Xavier Ivisic is also sidelined after undergoing syndesmosis surgery that will sideline him for between 6-8 weeks.
First bounce is at 2:00pm, with gates to the Brownlow Stand opening at 1:30pm.
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GEELONG SQUAD
Tom Atkins, Jed Bews, Mark Blicavs, Jack Bowes, Tanner Bruhn, Jeremy Cameron, Jhye Clark, Ted Clohesy, Brad Close, Patrick Dangerfield, Sam De Koning, Ollie Dempsey, Mitch Duncan, Mitch Edwards, Zach Guthrie, Ollie Henry, Jack Henry, Max Holmes, Mitch Knevitt, Jake Kolodjashnij, Gryan Miers, Oisin Mullin, Shannon Neale, Mark O’Connor, Connor O’Sullivan, Jay Polkinghorne, Bailey Smith, Rhys Stanley, George Stevens, Tom Stewart, Oli Wiltshire
