Draftee Matthew Hayball is set to play in the Cats' VFL team's practice match against the AFL Academy at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.

The 19-year-old South Australian midfielder, who was Geelong's last selection in the 2015 national draft, has finally shaken off the knee injury that held him back during the pre-season.

"He had a couple of niggles, nothing major, and we've mainly wanted to get some fitness and conditioning into him," Cats physio Mark Young said on the round three episode of nib Medical Room.

"He's going to see his first game in the VFL team this weekend."