The Cats have named their team for Saturday night’s clash against Essendon, with an exciting young defender set to make his AFL debut.

Lawson Humphries is set to make his AFL debut on Saturday night, with the 63rd selection in the 2023 National draft among three changes for the Cats clash with the Bombers.

Humphries has earned his spot at the top level on the back of an impressive season so far with the Cats VFL side, averaging 22 disposals and five marks per game in 11 matches.

Mitch Knevitt has also been rewarded for his strong form in the VFL and has been selected in the team, his first appearance at AFL level since Round 2, while Shannon Neale also returns to the Cats line-up.

Ollie Henry will miss the match against the Bombers through injury, while Oisin Mullin has been omitted.

As confirmed earlier in the week Tom Hawkins will miss 6-8 weeks with a left foot injury, which he sustained in last week’s clash with Carlton.

Geelong takes on Essendon on Saturday night at the MCG, with the opening bounce at 7.30pm.

Saturday night will be the traditional Country Game, with both sides paying tribute to the impact of local and regional clubs on the game of Australian Rules Football.

The match will be broadcast live on Channel Seven and streamed via Kayo, or fans can listen to all the coverage on K rock Football from 6.00pm.

Round 16

Geelong Cats v Essendon
MCG, Melbourne
7.30pm AEST
Saturday 29 June

In: Lawson Humphries (debut), Shannon Neale, Mitch Knevitt
Out: Tom Hawkins (injured), Ollie Henry (Injured), Oisin Mullin (Omitted)