The VFL Cats look set to welcome back a mixture of experience and youth when they go up against arch rival Port Melbourne at North Port Oval on Saturday.
It will be the second time in nine weeks the 2012 Grand Final combatants have met and both sides have had mixed fortunes since the Round 11 top of the ladder clash. The Cats have not lost a game while the VFL powerhouse club known as ‘The Borough’ remain in a tight tussle with a number of other clubs for a spot in the 2013 finals series.
VFL premiership leadership trio Troy Selwood, Dom Gleeson and Mark Corrigan have all been named to return from injury alongside talented AFL youngsters Joel Hamling and Brad Hartman. After a terrific start to the 2013 season, it will be Hamling’s first appearance for the Cats since sustaining a serious ankle injury in the Round 7 loss to the Casey Scorpions.
AFL omission Jesse Stringer and talented VFL youngsters Ryley Hall and Lachlan Howe have also been added to the 27 man squad. It will be Howe’s third and final home and away match as the designated 23rd player for the Cats this year.
The list of out going players is headlined by AFL elevations Mark Blicavs and Jordan Murdoch while Jaxson Barham and Matthew Sully will spend a week on the sidelines with general soreness.
The all important clash will no doubt give the Geelong AFL selectors plenty to think about with the likes of Paul Chapman, Josh Hunt, Taylor Hunt, Billie Smedts, Jesse Stringer, Trent West, George Horlin-Smith and Jackson Thurlow all named in the side.
The Gary Ayres coached Port Melbourne side are currently sitting in 6th position on the ladder with 2 rounds remanning. Depending on other results there is a chance the 2011 premiership club will have to win both remaining matches to remain in the top 8.
Although Port have not been as dominate this year as in seasons past, they still possess a line up that includes some of the best players in the VFL competition. Courageous VFL premiership captain John Baird, 2012 Frosty Miller Medallist Dean Galea, Wayde Skipper, Sam Pleming, Chris Cain and Josh Scipione are just some of the names that still make The Borough one of the most dangerous teams in the competition – particularly on there famous old home ground at North Port.
The 2012 VFL Grand Final Replay second edition will commence at 1.10pm on Saturday afternoon and be telecast live on ABC1 from 1.00pm.
You can also participate in the Cats live VFL chat with VFL writer Nathan Kettle by clicking here.
Bendigo Bank Cats – Round 18 Selected Side
B: Jed Bews, Ryan Bathie, Josh Hunt
HB: Cameron Eardley, Mitchell Brown, Joshua Cowan
C: Taylor Hunt, Troy Selwood, Jackson Thurlow
HF: Billie Smedts, Joel Hamling, Jesse Stringer
F: George Burbury, Shane Kersten, Jordan Schroder
R: Trent West, George Horlin-Smith, Paul Chapman
I/C: Jackson Sheringham, Brad Hartman, Jack Hollmer, Ben Raidme, Ryley Hall, Andrew Banjanin, Mark Corrigan, Dom Gleeson, Lachlan Howe (23rd Player)
