The Cats will be bolstered by the return of five players as they prepare to tackle the in-form Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night.

After missing the Round 2 clash with Carlton due to health and safety protocols, Nina Morrison, Julia Crockett-Grills, Sophie Van De Heuvel and Georgie Rankin will slot straight back into the team, while Rene Caris has been named for her first clash of 2022.

It is a timely return for Crockett-Grills, who will now play her 25th AFL Women's game this weekend, alongside fellow milestone Cats Chantel Emonson and Maddy McMahon.

Morrison and Van De Heuvel will bolster the Cats' midfield, named alongside Georgie Prespakis on the centre line, while Rankin will be a welcome return in defence and Caris will share the ruck load with Liv Fuller.

The Cats will be without Annabel Johnson (AFL Health and Safety Protocols) this week, while Chloe Scheer (managed), Danielle Higgins, Georgia Clarke and Laura Gardiner (all omitted) are the other changes.

Higgins and Gardiner have been named emergencies for the game.

The Cats and Magpies clash will open the AFLW Pride Round, a celebration of inclusion and diversity, with both teams wearing special Pride guernseys for the occasion.

First bounce is at 7.10pm at GMHBA Stadium, with tickets available through Ticketmaster.

The Cats’ Summer Footy Festival is on again this week from 5pm on Friday, ahead of the game.

The FREE event will feature live music and entertainment, food trucks, giveaways and much more

Round 3 AFLW Team

Milestones: Julia Crockett-Grills, Maddy McMahon, Chantel Emonson (25 AFLW games)
Ins: Nina Morrison, Julia Crockett-Grills, Sophie Van De Heuvel, Georgie Rankin, Rene Caris
Outs: Annabel Johnson (AFL Health & Safety Protocols), Chloe Scheer (managed), Danielle Higgins, Georgia Clarke, Laura Gardiner (all omitted)