Geelong rookie Zach Guthrie has been given another reason to celebrate his 19^th birthday, with the news he will make his AFL debut this weekend against the Giants.

Speaking to Cats Media as he boarded the team bus from Simonds Stadium on Friday morning, Guthrie was clearly happy with his gift from senior coach Chris Scott.

“It’s the perfect birthday present really. I’m super excited,” he said.

“I found out yesterday afternoon. I got called into the match committee room and Scotty told me himself that I’ll be playing this week.”

“Once I heard the news, I was rapt.”

Taken at pick 33 in last year’s rookie draft, Guthrie was elevated to the senior list on Thursday night after six games at VFL level.

Though surprised at his call-up, he says he was always hopeful a debut would come at some point in his first season with the Cats.

“I guess that’s always the goal – coming in and playing a game in your first year would be a super achievement.”

“That was the goal in mind, to play some good footy at VFL level and if I was lucky enough to get the game, I’d be super excited.”

Guthrie was first exposed to senior football through this year’s JLT Community Series, averaging 21 disposals in defence on dangerous small forwards such as Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli.

The brother of 118-gamer Cameron, Zach expects to again play through the back half as his family watches the two brothers from the stands of Spotless Stadium.

“Scotty just said just to come in and try and fit in the best I can into the backline. We’ve got a lot of experience down there and I’m sure they’ll help me out on the night.”

“I think it will give me a bit of confidence, knowing that I’ve already played against some good forwards and some good players. Hopefully it holds me in good stead,”

“Mum and dad are coming up and both my brothers. All the family are coming up to see the special night so that makes it so much more special.”

Zach Guthrie and the Cats take on the ladder-leading Giants from 7:25pm on Saturday night in Sydney.