The first In The Mix for 2017 looks at the players in contention to line up against Fremantle who didn't play in the Cats' most recent premiership season match, which was the preliminary final against the Sydney Swans last season.
Here is the team that took on the Swans.
Backs: Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan, Lachie Henderson
Half-backs: Jake Kolodjashnij, Harry Taylor, Jed Bews
Centres: Cameron Guthrie, Joel Selwood, Scott Selwood
Half-forwards: Steven Motlop, Mark Blicavs, Josh Cowan
Forwards: Lincoln McCarthy, Tom Hawkins, Jimmy Bartel
Followers: Rhys Stanley, Patrick Dangerfield, Josh Caddy
Interchange: Andrew Mackie, Zac Smith, Mitch Duncan, Sam Menegola
Out of that team come Corey Enright (retired), Jimmy Bartel (retired) and Josh Caddy (traded to Richmond), while Scott Selwood and Jake Kolodjashnij are unlikely to play against the Dockers after having interrupted pre-seasons.
The players in the mix to take their places are ...
Zach Tuohy
This year's star recruit was sensational during the recent JLT Community Series. He is certain to line up across half-back against Fremantle on Sunday.
Aaron Black
Had a great start to his new career at Geelong when he kicked four goals in the Cats' JLT Community Series opener against Hawthorn in Launceston. Also played against Adelaide a fortnight later, but was quiet in that game.
Tom Stewart
The mature-aged draftee featured in all three of Geelong's JLT Community Series matches. Showed poise and skill across half-back and is a big chance to line up against the Dockers.
Brandan Parfitt
The Cats' first pick in last year's national draft also featured in all of the club's pre-season games. Showed great pace and skill and is right in the mix to travel to Perth for Sunday's game.
Darcy Lang
Spent the last part of last season racking up some big numbers in the VFL and working on his game. Was one of the best performers on the track over the summer and has high hopes of becoming a regular AFL player this year.
George Horlin-Smith
Showed some great signs in the midfield during the JLT Community Series. Could be a replacement for Scott Selwood, who is struggling to overcome a toe problem.
Jackson Thurlow
Missed all of last year's premiership season after suffering a serious knee injury during the pre-season games. Improved every week during the JLT Series and looks set to add some talent and strength to the Cats' backline.
Daniel Menzel
The skilful forward kicked four goals in the Cats last home and away game against Melbourne, then booted one in the qualifying final win over Hawthorn. But he missed the preliminary final loss to the Swans due to groin soreness.
Nakia Cockatoo
Didn't feature in the Cats' finals campaign last season but has enjoyed a big summer in the gym and on the track. Was up and about during the pre-season matches and looks just about certain to get a gig against Freo.
Tom Ruggles
Was unlucky to be omitted from the Cats' side for the preliminary final. Showed some good signs during the recent pre-season matches.
Jordan Murdoch
Didn't play an AFL game after round 17 last season but was given plenty of opportunities during the recent JLT Community Series.
Zach Guthrie
The surprise packet of the pre-season, the younger brother of Cameron Guthrie was a revelation across half-back in his two JLT Community Series appearances. He also played very well in a VFL practice match against Essendon on the weekend. Needs to be promoted from the rookie list to the senior list to get a game against Freo.
