THURSDAY night is looming large for Geelong, as the Cats ready themselves for a timely injection of youthful talent.

It will be the first time the Cats have had access to the first round of the draft since 2014, providing an invaluable opportunity to supplement the Cats’ established stars with their next generation.

In his most recent phantom draft, AFL draft guru Cal Twomey has linked Geelong to midfielders Jackson Hately, Chayce Jones and Riley Collier-Dawkins at the Cats’ prized pick 12, as Geelong circles a talented crop of young players.

The South Australian Hately and Victorian Collier-Dawkins would both provide some midfield size with both players listed at 190cm or above, with a late growth spurt rocketing Collier-Dawkins into top-end contention.

Tasmanian Chayce Jones is a strong athlete, hard at the contest and has the ability to accumulate the football.

The selection will provide a change of pace for Stephen Wells and Troy Selwood, after Geelong has had success targeting established talent from around the country in recent years.

The club’s recruiting department worked its magic to pluck Sam Menegola at pick 66 in 2015, All Australian Tom Stewart at 40 in 2016, and Carji Greeves runner-up Tim Kelly at 24 just last year.

Geelong’s record in finding some late draft steals will be important, with picks 50, 51, 70 and 87 to follow on Friday after Geelong makes its first round selection on Thursday.

Stephen Wells told Cats media that Geelong would make seven selections across the National and Rookie drafts, breathing some new life into the Cattery.

Cats fans can follow the draft on Geelong’s social channels, or tune in live on Fox Footy from 6:30pm on Thursday night.