GEELONG has rested veteran key defender Tom Lonergan from Thursday's clash against Port Adelaide at Simonds Stadium, and has awarded medium defender Jordan Cunico his long-awaited debut.
The Cats have also recalled Cam Guthrie, who was a late withdrawal against the Western Bulldogs with a virus, and Darcy Lang, while Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) and Mark O'Connor (omitted) are the other exclusions.
The Power have replaced injured star Chad Wingard (calf) with Aaron Young in their only change from the round eight team that defeated Gold Coast in Shanghai.
Cunico was selected by the Cats with pick No.59 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, but has had an injury-plagued start to his time at Simonds Stadium.
The former Gippsland Power player managed only four VFL games last season as he battled issues in both knees.
The 21-year-old is noted for his leg speed and the Cats view him as a potential dashing half-back.
Lonergan, 33, is being managed by the Cats after playing the first nine rounds.
Thursday, May 25
Geelong v Port Adelaide at Simonds Stadium, 7.20pm AEST
GEELONG
In: C.Guthrie, D.Lang, J.Cunico
Out: T.Lonergan (managed), N.Cockatoo (hamstring), M.O'Connor
New: Jordan Cunico (Gippsland U18)
PORT ADELAIDE
In: A.Young
Out: C.Wingard (calf)
CATS TEAM
Backs: Jed Bews, Lachie Henderson, Tom Stewart
Half-backs: Zach Tuohy, Andrew Mackie, Mark Blicavs
Centres: Scott Selwood, Joel Selwood, Cameron Guthrie
Half-forwards: James Parsons, Harry Taylor, Jordan Murdoch
Forwards: Steven Motlop, Tom Hawkins, Daniel Menzel
Followers: Zac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Mitch Duncan
Interchange: Jordan Cunico, Jake Kolojashnij, Darcy Lang, Sam Menegola
Emergencies: Rhys Stanley, Mark O'Connor, Tom Ruggles
