RETURNING Cat Sam Simpson is locked in to play his first match of the season after putting concussion concerns behind him.

The silky midfielder and forward has been sidelined since the pre-season after a heavy hit left him with ongoing concussion symptoms.

Simpson will be joined by draftee James Willis who will play his first game for the club after battling knee issues that he arrived at the club with.

Willis boasts an AFL-ready physique and prides himself on contested ball winning ability.

The Bendigo Bank Cats will be looking to turn their fortunes around against the seventh-placed Blues, having dropped their last five matches.

Despite the run of losses Geelong comes into the clash in good form, having taken the undefeated Casey Demons down to the wire last weekend.

The Cats sit two games outside the eight with six rounds to play.

Toby Conway is out of the side after suffering a concussion in last week’s matchup with Casey.

VFL Round 17 Team

Ins: J. Willis, S. Simpson, J. Bews
Outs: T. Conway (concussion), J. Evans, B. Lloyd