The level of interest around the ‘VFL Grand Final Rematch’ has increased more so with the news that Steven Motlop will be making a return from injury.
It will be the first time Cats fans have seen Motlop in season 2014, after he underwent knee surgery in London at the end of January. The exciting 23 year old was given the green light to play after taking part in full training during the past few weeks.
Mitch Brown and first year rookie listed player James Toohey join Motlop, on the list of ‘incoming’ players. Brown, who has played 3 AFL matches this year, missed last week with ankle soreness, while Toohey has recovered from an ankle injury he sustained during a VFL practice match against Essendon on the 22nd of March.
The 7-man AFL interchange bench of Corey Enright, George Horlin-Smith, Jordan Schroder, Jackson Sheringham, Dawson Simpson, Jackson Thurlow and Josh Walker have all been named in the 31-player squad.
Former Geelong Falcon Fraser Fort will play his 3rd game in a row as the 23rd player for the VFL Cats.
At this stage the only outgoing players from last week’s side that defeated the Casey Scorpions by 16 points are first year rookies Zac Bates (hamstring) and Nick Bourke (general soreness).
Any Grand Final rematches at any level is recognised as having that extra bit of feeling and this match up looks to be no different.
While both line-ups will be very different from the two sides that took to the field at Etihad Stadium for the 2013 decider, both clubs will be looking to make statement in the early stages of 2014.
In a mirror image of their AFL counterparts, both the Box Hill Hawks and VFL Cats remain undefeated in season 2014. The Hawks sit on top of the VFL ladder with 2 wins and a draw (from 3 games), while the Cats are perched in third position with 2 wins (from 2 games).
The Marco Bello coached Box Hill Hawks have named a host of household names in their extended 31-man squad. 2013 Norm Smith Medallist Brian Lake, Ryan Schoenmakers, Ben McEvoy, Will Langford, Taylor Duryea and Jed Anderson have all been named at this early stage.
2013 J.J Liston Trophy recipient Jordan Schroder looks likely to go head to head with one of the players he shared the award with - Hawthorn listed midfielder Mitch Hallahan. Both Schroder and Hallahan have started the season in sparkling fashion and both find themselves knocking on the door of senior selection.
As will be the case for all VFL matches in 2014, public seating will be available in the Hickey Stand with both the Polly Farmer and Bernie Smith Gates will opening at 5pm.
If you can’t get to Simonds Stadium on Saturday night you can get regular updates at @GeelongVFL. The match will also be broadcast live on 94.1 FM @3wbc and online at 3wbc.org.au from 5pm.
Admission Details:
2014 Geelong Cats Members: Free
2014 Box Hill Hawks & Hawthorn Members: $5.00
Adults: $10.00
Concession: $5.00
Children Under 12: Free
Bendigo Bank Cats – Round 3 Selected Side
B: Jed Bews, Jake Kolodjashnij, Jesse Stringer
HB: Jackson Thurlow, Joel Hamling, Corey Enright
C: Jarrad Jansen, Jackson Sheringham, Steven Motlop
HF: Bradley Hartman, Josh Walker, Dominic Gleeson (c)
F: James Toohey, Mitchell Brown, Darcy Lang
R: Dawson Simpson, George Horlin-Smith, Jordan Schroder
I/C: Michael Luxford, Matthew Sully, James Linton, Mitch Herbison, Jack Hollmer, Chris Lynch, Tom Maas, Daniel Gibbs, Daniel Measures, Luke Bath, Cameron Tudor, Kieren Paliouras, Fraser Fort (23rd Player)
