VETERAN midfielder Mathew Stokes will start Saturday's big game against the Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium in the sub's vest.

Stokes was subbed out of last weekend's loss to the Kangaroos during the third quarter.

Now the Cats' hierarchy has decided to keep him in reserve for the latter part of the clash with the Dogs, providing there are no early injuries.

Geelong is going into the contest with the line-up that was named on Thursday night.

Koby Stevens is a late out for the Bulldogs. He has been replaced by Lachie Hunter, who will start as their sub.

Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy and Jackson Thurlow are starting on the bench.

The first bounce is at 1.45pm.

CATS TEAM
Backs: Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Lonergan, Jed Bews
Half-backs: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, Mark Blicavs
Centres: Andrew Mackie, Cameron Guthrie, Steven Motlop
Half-forwards: Cory Gregson, Shane Kersten, Jimmy Bartel
Forwards: Jordan Murdoch, Tom Hawkins, Darcy Lang
Followers: Josh Walker, James Kelly, Steve Johnson
Interchange: Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy, Jackson Thurlow

Substitute: Mathew Stokes

Emergencies: George Horlin-Smith, Dawson Simpson, Billie Smedts

In: Mitch Duncan, Shane Kersten, Jake Kolodjashnij
Out: Jared Rivers (knee), Joel Selwood (suspension), Dawson Simpson (omitted)