Geelong has named a host of new faces for its season-opening clash with Carlton on Friday night.

Irish recruit Oisin Mullin has been named in the back pocket, with fellow AFL-listed Cats Oscar Murdoch and Jhye Clark set to make their VFL debuts.

Rookies Osca Riccardi and Ted Clohesy are no strangers to the Cats' VFL team, having both made an appearance last season during their final Geelong Falcons year.

VFL-listed recruits Brayden Ham (former Essendon AFL player), Harry Benson (two-time Geelong Football Netball League Mathieson Medallist), Bailey van de Heuvel, Mace Cousins and Tanner Lewis are all set to pull on the Hoops for their first official match, with Lewis named as the 23rd player.

With Cooper Whyte making his AFL debut as the sub on Thursday night, the Cats will announce a replacement for the half-back closer to the game.

The Cats take on the Blues from 7.05pm Friday at Ikon Park. All matches in the 2023 Smithy’s VFL and rebel VFLW seasons will be live streamed free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App.

VFL Round 1 Team

New faces: Oisin Mullin (AFL Category B rookie), Bailey van de Heuvel (Footscray VFL), Oscar Murdoch (AFL rookie/Geelong Falcons), Brayden Ham (Essendon AFL), Mace Cousins (Darley - Ballarat Football Netball League), Harry Benson (St Mary's - Geelong Football Netball League), Jhye Clark (AFL/Geelong Falcons), Tanner Lewis (Geelong West - Geelong Football Netball League)