For much of the season the Cats have had to contend with one of the largest injury lists in the AFL, but this week their is nothing but good news with the VFL Cats looking set to welcome back AFL contingent Nathan Vardy, Trent West, George Horlin-Smith, Joshua Cowan, Jordan Schroder and Cameron Eardley.
All six players have been named in the 27 man squad ahead of the Bendigo Bank Cats Round 12 clash against the Richmond aligned Coburg Tigers at Mantello Holden Oval, Coburg on Sunday afternoon.
The key inclusions will no doubt be vital to the Cats, who will be looking to build on the momentum gathered from three consecutive victories – including a 85 point demolition of VFL powerhouse club Port Melbourne at Simonds Stadium last weekend.
St Mary’s young gun Callen Wade has been added to the Cats VFL squad and will make his debut as the 23rd player. Wade completed the pre-season with the Cats and has continued to train with the squad on a regular basis.
AFL elevation Josh Caddy and VFL defensive duo Ben Capra and Ryley Hall are the only outgoing players from last week’s side at this stage.
It is hoped that in coming weeks the Cats will welcome back a number of other ‘rehabilitating’ Cats such as Travis Varcoe, Jared Rivers, Jackson Sheringham, Hamish McIntosh, George Burbury, Shane Kersten and Joel Hamling.
13th position on the ladder is by no means a reflection of the strength of the Coburg Tigers who have recorded 3 impressive victories and have come agonisingly close on a number of other occasions.
The Tim Clarke coached Tigers have named a strong line up that includes a plethora of AFL household names such as Shane Tuck, Luke McGuane, Ricky Petterd, Robin Nahas, Sam Lonergan, David Astbury Jake Batchelor, Brett O’Hanlon and 2012 Geelong VFL premiership ruckman Orren Stephenson. The AFL players are well supported by a VFL group that includes club stalwarts Nick Carnell and Ben Clifton.
The match kicks off at 2.00pm on Sunday and as is the case for all Geelong VFL ‘away’ matches - 2013 Geelong Cats members gain entry for $5.00.
You can also participate in the Cats live VFL chat with VFL writer Nathan Kettle by clicking here.
Bendigo Bank Cats – Round 12 Selected Side
B: Jed Bews, Ryan Bathie, Matthew Sully
HB: Cameron Eardley, Mitchell Brown, Jackson Thurlow
C: Joshua Cowan, Troy Selwood, Billie Smedts
HF: Brad Hartman, Joshua Walker, Dominic Gleeson
F: Jaxson Barham, Nathan Vardy, Jack Hollmer
R: Trent West, George Horlin-Smith, Jordan Schroder
I/C: (from) Andrew Banjanin, Piers Flanagan, Robert Condy, Mitch herbison, Daniel Gibbs, Mark Corrigan, Ben Raidme, Tom Maas, Callen Wade (23rd Player)
