TRIPLE premiership players Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly have returned to Geelong's team for Saturday night's big game against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The Cats have also recalled ruckman Dawson Simpson, who will go head-to-head with Roos big man Todd Goldstein.

Youngsters Shane Kersten, Jake Kolodjashnij and Michael Luxford were omitted from the team that was defeated by Melbourne in round 12.

Kersten and Kolodjashnij have been named emergencies, as has Billie Smedts.

Bartel will play his first AFL game since suffering a knee injury against Gold Coast in round three, while Kelly has shaken off the ankle sprain he suffered in the win over Port Adelaide in round 11.

Bartel was named to return for last weekend's match against Adelaide, but he ended up playing in the VFL after the game was cancelled.

Kelly has not played at any level since injuring his ankle.

Young midfielder Darcy Lang, who would have missed the clash with the Crows due to quad soreness, trained strongly this week and has been named.

CATS TEAM
Backs: Harry Taylor, Tom Lonergan, Jed Bews
Half-backs: Corey Enright, Jared Rivers, Cameron Guthrie
Centres: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, Andrew Mackie
Half-forwards: Cory Gregson, Josh Walker, Mathew Stokes
Forwards: Jordan Murdoch, Tom Hawkins, Darcy Lang
Followers: Dawson Simpson, Josh Caddy, Steve Johnson
Interchange: Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly, Steven Motlop, Jackson Thurlow

Emergencies: Shane Kersten, Jake Kolodjashnij, Billie Smedts

In: Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly, Dawson Simpson
Out: Shane Kersten (omitted), Jake Kolodjashnij (omitted), Michael Luxford (omitted)