Meghan McDonald has been named to make her return from injury when the Cats meet the Crows at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday.
The reigning best and fairest winner has been absent from the opening two games of the season with a finger injury.
AFLW Coach Paul Hood is excited by the prospect of having the classy Cat back in the side.
“She is a really dynamic player behind the ball and brings great leadership,” Hood said.
“We don’t need her to come in a dominate, we just need her to come into the team and play her role and do her best to support her teammates.”
Key forward Maddie Boyd looks set to also play her first AFLW match this season after being named to start at full forward.
Rounding out this week’s inclusions is defender Rebecca Goring, who has been named on an extended interchange.
Denby Taylor will miss the match after injuring her ankle in Geelong’s round two loss to Brisbane.
The final team will be named on Friday at 4pm.
AFLW Round Three Team
B: 19. Millie Brown, 24. Maddy McMahon
HB: 45. Maddy Keryk, 11. Meghan McDonald, 18. Melissa Hickey (c)
C: 9. Nina Morrison, 21. Rebecca Webster, 27. Sophie Van De Heuvel
HF: 6. Julia Crockett-Grills, 23. Phoebe McWilliams, 5. Jordan Ivey
F: 26. Maddie Boyd, 12. Renee Garing
R: 14. Aasta O’Connor, 30. Richelle Cranston, 16. Olivia Purcell
I/C: (from) 3. Amy McDonald, 10. Georgie Rankin, 44. Rebecca Goring, 1. Rene Caris, 2. Danielle Higgins, 17. Georgia Clarke, 7. Madisen Maguire
In: 11. Meghan McDonald, 26. Maddie Boyd, 44. Rebecca Goring
Out: 28. Denby Taylor (ankle)
