Geelong has made a change to its team for Sunday’s season opener against Melbourne at the MCG with an ankle injury causing Mark O’Connor to withdraw from the side. 

The Irish wingman, who played two games for the Cats last year coming off the rookie list, will be replaced by Jordan Murdoch. 

The Cats have added Jackson Thurlow to the emergency list along with Charlie Constable, Rhys Stanley and Jordan Cunico.

Lachie Fogarty, Tim Kelly and Esava Ratugolea have been named for their Geeiong debuts, while Gary Ablett will play his first game for the club since 2010.