HUMAN wrecking-ball Quinton Narkle will become Geelong's sixth debutant of the season against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night as the Cats prepare to ring the changes.
It caps a remarkable rise for the 20-year-old West Australian who has played six VFL games after returning from a ruptured ACL in May.
Narkle is a chance to be joined by Cameron Guthrie, Scott Selwood, Harry Taylor and Daniel Menzel, who are all in the frame to play in the AFL team after injury layoffs.
Narkle burst his way into contention after an eye-catching three-goal performance in the VFL prior to the bye.
"He's a really contested player, sharp with the ball (and) can play multiple roles," coach Chris Scott said on Wednesday.
"He kicked a beautiful goal a few weeks ago, winning the ball in the D50 and taking it all the way down the ground.
"We weren't pessimistic (after the ACL) but we were prepared for him to find his feet.
"Given we do have pretty good availability now, albeit without much match conditioning into those (returning) guys, it's a really strong indication of how we rate him."
Guthrie (two matches), Selwood (two) and Taylor (one) have played VFL in recent weeks, while Menzel is in the discussion to be rushed straight back for the clash at Etihad Stadium.
Scott stopped short of guaranteeing any of the four a berth against the Dogs but said all will feature in the AFL or VFL ahead of a tricky schedule.
After Friday night, Geelong travels for consecutive Thursday night fixtures, while the VFL team plays Saturday-Sunday-Sunday, which will see several players' game time managed.
"It's a challenge because there's a bit of a gap between our AFL program and our VFL program," Scott said.
"We've put a lot of thought into it and (we're) really confident with our program."
Lachie Henderson (knee) will require at least one more VFL match after playing two before the bye and will be joined by Nakia Cockatoo (knee), who is set to play for the first time since round three.
Ruckman Zac Smith (back) will return in the VFL after three weeks on the sidelines, while Stewart Crameri (eye) trained with the main group on Wednesday and will play in the twos.
Lincoln McCarthy is one forced omission after straining his hamstring against Richmond before the bye.
Longer term, Scott is hopeful big man Esava Ratugolea will be back running in the "next few weeks" with a view to playing again this season after breaking his ankle in round 10.
The Cats enjoyed a four-day training camp on the Gold Coast last week in an attempt to end their horror post-bye form, having not won after a mid-season break since 2012.
GEELONG'S FIXTURE HEADACHE
AFL – Round 15 – Friday June 29 v Western Bulldogs
VFL – Round 13 – Saturday June 30 v Werribee
AFL – Round 16 – Thursday July 5 v Sydney
VFL – Round 14 – Sunday July 8 v Frankston
AFL – Round 17 – Thursday July 12 v Adelaide
VFL – Round 15 – Sunday July 15 v Sandringham
GEELONG'S DEBUTANTS 2017/18
2018:
Tim Kelly – Pick 24, 2017 NAB AFL Draft
Esava Ratugolea – Pick 43, 2016 NAB AFL Draft
Lachie Fogarty – Pick 22, 2017 NAB AFL Draft
Jack Henry – Pick 16, 2017 Rookie Draft
Jamaine Jones – Pick 48, 2017 Rookie Draft
Quinton Narkle – Pick 60, 2016 NAB AFL Draft
2017:
Tom Stewart – Pick 40, 2016 NAB AFL Draft
Brandan Parfitt – Pick 26, 2016 NAB AFL Draft
James Parsons – Pick 27, 2015 NAB AFL Draft
Zach Guthrie – Pick 33, 2017 Rookie Draft
Jordan Cunico – Pick 59, 2014 NAB AFL Draft
Wylie Buzza – Pick 69, 2015 NAB AFL Draft
Sam Simpson – Pick 53, 2017 Rookie Draft
Mark O'Connor – Category B rookie selection, 2016
