What’s new: Patrick Dangerfield is the big-ticket item in what is effectively a new Geelong. The midfielder's recruitment is expected to give the Cats an immediate bounce but don't underestimate the importance of Lachie Henderson in defence. Zac Smith should play early as he tries to hold down the ruck but Scott Selwood is still recovering from an ankle injury.

Bolters: The Cats don't have many recruits ready to step in, although Sam Menegola could bear some of the load during the NAB Challenge. He has the experience and running power to handle the pre-season. Jock Cornell has performed well in pre-season and might be given a taste while VFL player Tom Ruggles could be exposed to senior games in the pre-season.

Who’s back: Daniel Menzel, Josh Cowan, Nathan Vardy, Lincoln McCarthy, Mitch Clark and Rhys Stanley all head into 2016 with question marks over their resilience. Expect Clark to be held back but Menzel is ready for a first-up run. Stanley wants to play at least one NAB Challenge game as he returns from a foot injury and McCarthy has surprised many with a strong pre-season.  Cowan and Vardy are on track. 

Wildcard: Mark Blicavs won a best and fairest playing a fair amount of time in the ruck but the Cats hope he can play a different role in 2016 to maximise his running power and ability around the ball. He will be a midfielder/wingman with the capacity to fill in down back, although he is much better around the ball.

Missing: Cameron Delaney has been struggling through rehab while Billie Smedts, after a shoulder operation, and Scott Selwood, after ankle surgery, will miss. Smedts' recovery is progressing very well however. Skipper Joel Selwood also remains touch and go for round one, so is unlikely to be seen in action before Easter Monday.

Fantasy watch: At his third AFL club, Sam Menegola (MID, $127,000) is too cheap to ignore, given he averaged 27 possessions a game in the WAFL in 2015. He's ready, at 23, to slot straight into this Geelong side.