Mitch Clark and Sam Menegola will make their long-awaited returns in the VFL Cats’ clash with Sandringham this Sunday at Simonds Stadium.
Clark will play his first game in more than 12 months after completing an extended rehabilitation program for a calf injury that he sustained in January.
Menegola will play his first game since suffering a posterior cruciate ligament injury to his left knee in the Cats’ first NAB Challenge match in late February.
Experienced VFL listed player Jake Edwards will also play his first game in the blue and white hoops after overcoming a foot injury. Edwards signed on with the VFL Cats in the off-season and is sure to bring leadership, experience and versatility to the VFL side.
Cory Gregson, Billie Smedts and Jordan Murdoch will all play after being omitted from the AFL side and first year Ryan Gardner will return after being managed in round 7.
The VFL Cats are coming off a bye last week and currently sit 9th on the ladder with three wins, three losses and a percentage of 120.22. Sandringham sit fourth with four wins and two losses.
Last time the two sides met was round 19, 2015 at Trevor Barker Oval, the Zebras took the points defeating the Cats by 28-points.
Supporters can follow @GeelongVFL on Twitter for live updates.
Bendigo Bank Cats squad:
B: (52) Hickey, (20) Gardner, (34) Parsons
HB: (2) Smedts, (67) Stewart, (24) Bews
C: (69) Sexton, (51) Tsitas, (17) Cornell
HF: (21) Murdoch, (66) Edwards, (18) Cowan
F: (28) Gregson, (30) Vardy, (27) Menegola
R: (19) Clark, (37) Luxford, (70) Rees
I/C: (15) Hayball, (50) Williams, (64) Atkins, (53) Farrelly, (58) Abbott, (63) Dobson, (74) Thompson, (65) McLachlan, (73) House – 23rd player
VFL – ROUND 9
Bendigo Bank Cats v Sandringham
1.00pm, Sunday 5th June
Simonds Stadium
Entry: Cats Members FREE, Adults $10, Opposition members $5, Concession $5, Children Under 15 FREE
Seating will be available in the Reg Hickey Stand with food and beverage available on the lower level. The Polly Farmer Gate (Moorabool St) will be open from 12noon.
