Geelong will receive an extra boost of AFLW experience as it prepares to host Western Bulldogs at Deakin University on Saturday.

Defender Georgie Rankin and ruck Liv Fuller will make their first VFLW appearances for the year as the Cats look to build on their good form over the first month of the season.

After making a successful move down back last year, Rankin will continue to hone her craft in the lead-up to the Season 8 pre-season commencing.

Fuller has been a strong performer at VFLW level, earning her call-up to the AFLW list after an impressive first season in the state league Hoops.

With the pair's inclusion, the Cats will be fielding six of their AFLW Season 8-listed players, with Abbey McDonald, Melissa Bragg, Chloe Scheer and Renee Garing also named in the Round 5 team.

Tall defender Sarah Perrott returns to the side after being a late omission last week, while Bree Beckley is back in after being unavailable for the Round 4 win over Southern Saints.

Breanna Pratt, Emily Worpel, Eliza Wilson-Macdonald and last week's late inclusion Elise Vella are the four outs.

It is a strong line-up for the Cats as they continue to build in confidence and form, having won their past three games to move into second position on the ladder.

The Bulldogs look a much improved side after going winless through 2022, having scored a big win over North Melbourne - the team that defeated Geelong in Round 1 - a fortnight ago.

First bounce is at 12pm at Deakin University Elite Sports Precinct on Saturday.

VFLW Round 5 Team

In: Georgie Rankin, Liv Fuller, Bree Beckley, Sarah Perrott
Out: Breanna Pratt (omitted), Emily Worpel (omitted), Eliza Wilson-Macdonald (omitted), Elise Vella (omitted)