The VFL Cats will looks to continue their winning streak when they take on Essendon VFL at Simonds Stadium this Sunday.

The Cats regain Jordan Murdoch (AFL omission) but lose defender Jed Bews (AFL selection).

Joe Atley from the Bendigo Pioneers has been selected as the Cats’ 23rd player this weekend. 

Joe is the brother of North Melbourne listed player Shaun Atley and eligible to be drafted in the 2016 AFL National Draft. 

The 23rd player rule is designed to enable clubs to promote young talent and provide them with a taste of VFL football to aid their development.  

The VFL Cats currently sit seventh on the ladder with seven wins and five losses. Essendon sit eigth with seven wins and six losses. 

The Bombers, coached by ex-Cats Matthew Egan, Mark Corrigan and Paul Corrigan, are coming off a nail-biting win over the Box Hill Hawks last weekend.

VFL Cats squad

B: (20) Ryan Gardner, (67) Tom Stewart, (15) Matthew Hayball

HB: (16) Scott Selwood, (45) Cameron Delaney, (33) George Horlin-Smith

C: (227) Sam Menegola, (37) Michael Luxford, (11) Darcy Lang

HF: (17) Jock Cornell, (66) Jake Edwards, (12) Wylie Buzza

F: (51) James Tsitas, (42) Padraig Lucey, (19) Mitch Clark

R: (3) Nathan Vardy, (21) Jordan Murdoch, (34) James Parsons

I/C:  (71) Brant Haintz, (64) Tom Atkins, (54) Cameron Tudor, (73) Timm House, (69) Will Sexton, (65) Sam McLachlan, (52) Alex Hickey, (63) Sam Dobson, (78) Joseph Atley – 23rd player

VFL Round 16

Geelong Cats v Essendon

Sunday 24th July

1pm, Simonds Stadium

Admission prices: Cats Members FOC, Adults $10, Opposition Members $5, Concession $5, Children Under 15 Free

Seating in the Reg Hickey Stand – food & beverage available on lower concourse. The Polly Farmer Gate (Moorabool Street) will be open from 12.00pm. 

A radio broadcast of weekend’s VFL match can be streamed live on the Essendon FC website. Please click on the below link at 1pm on Sunday to listen in http://www.essendonfc.com.au/vfl/vfl-radio 

You can also follow the game on Twitter - @GeelongVFL