The VFL Cats have announced their round 3 squad to take on Richmond this Saturday in the hope they can start the season two from two after a bye last weekend.

The Bankers, who take on Richmond in a curtain raiser at Punt Road Oval, have named a 27 man squad which will be trimmed to 23 on Saturday morning.

Zac Bates is set to return for his first match in over 12 months after recovering from multiple hamstring injuries throughout 2014.

Bates, who arrived at the club in late 2013 after being selected at pick 46 in the rookie draft, played just one VFL match last year. The 176cm pocket rocket is known for his versatility and run and carry.

Josh Cowan has been named in the squad after a promising performance in round 1 a fortnight ago.

Ryan Williams will pull on the hoops again after starring in St.Joseph’s win over South Barwon in last Saturday’s traditional GFL Anzac Day clash.

Defender Jake Kolodjashnij will look to keep up his good form after an impressive performance in round 1. Kolodjashnij managed 17 disposals, seven marks, five tackles and event two goals in the win over Werribee.

If included in the final 23, Ben Raidme, Steven Bensted, Tom Maas, Mitch Herbison and Tom Atkins will play their first game for the VFL Cats this season.

B:         Tom Ruggles                  Jake Kolodjashnij            Jackson Sheringham

HB:      Jordan Cunico                Cameron Tudor              Billie Smedts

C:        Michael Luxford              Nakia Cockatoo             Josh Cowan

HF:      Zac Bates                      Simon Close                  Sam Blease

F:         Matthew Farrelly            Padraig Lucey                Daniel Gibbs

R:         Hamish McIntosh           Ryan Williams                Dean Gore

I/C:      Dane McFarlane Mitch Herbison               Tom Maas

            Ben Raidme                   Zac Sherman                 Tom Atkins

Steven Bensted              Kieran Paliouras Brenton Rees

VFL Round 3

Richmond Tigers vs Geelong Cats

11am, Saturday 2^nd May

Punt Road Oval

Gates Open: 10am

Match Starts: 11am

VFL Admission Prices:

Geelong Cats member (away match) - $5

Adult - $5

Concession - $5

Under 12 – Free

Parking is available for spectators, umpires, players and staff in Yarra Park (MCG Car Park) - entry off Brunton Avenue at Gate 7, from 8am onwards. Although, supporters are encouraged to catch public transport.

Supporters can either enter the ground via a choice of three gates at either end of the ground and at the corner of Brunton Ave/Punt Road. Grandstand access is only available via the gate behind the Punt Road end goals.

Food & drink will be available to purchase.

Follow @GeelongVFL on twitter for live updates.