Six new faces will make their Geelong debuts against the Pies at the MCG on Friday night.
Off-season recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan will play in the blue and white hoops for the first time after being named at half forward and in the forward pocket respectively.
In an incredible story of perseverance, former VFL star Tom Atkins will make his AFL debut alongside fellow 2018 draftee Jordan Clark.
“It feels great and a bit surreal,” said Atkins.
“It has all happened pretty quickly, I mean this time last year I was just getting ready for a VFL season, so I am absolutely stoked and very honoured and proud.”
Second-year Cats, Charlie Constable and Gryan Miers round out the new faces to the team set to play in front of a packed-out MCG under lights.
“Me and Gryan found out together which was obviously special because we got drafted together,” said Constable.
“It is a very special feeling and a proud moment for me and my family, and obviously I have been waiting a while now so that will make it all the more special and hopefully, I can go out there and play my role.”
Friday night’s match at the MCG will kick-off at 7.50pm local time.
AFL Round 1 Team
B: J Henry, M Blicavs, M O’Connor
HB: J Kolodjashnij, H Taylor, T Stewart
C: J Selwood, P Dangerfield, M Duncan
HF: L Dahlhaus, E Ratugolea, T Atkins
F: G Ablett, T Hawkins, G Rohan
R: R Stanley, T Kelly, B Parfitt
I/C: J Clark, G Miers, C Constable, S Menegola
EM: J Parsons, J Cunico, Q Narkle, R Abbott
