Geelong has made two changes for their Thursday night blockbuster against Melbourne, with Julia Crockett-Grills and Abbey McDonald both set to make their return in Round 5.    

Crockett-Grills returns after missing the Port Adelaide clash through suspension, with the Cats winger looking to continue her strong early season form.  

The 28-year-old was particularly dominant in the opening round win over the Bulldogs, and will add valuable experience to the Geelong side ahead of a big clash with the Demons.  

11:44

Dan Lowther Presser | Round 5

Dan Lowther spoke to media ahead of the game against Melbourne on Thursday night. Proudly Presented by Viva Energy Australia

McDonald has earned her recall to the starting line-up, selected for the third game of her young AFLW career.  

The 19-year-old was a standout during Geelong’s pre-season, impressing the coaching staff and being awarded her AFLW debut in the first round.

Rachel Kearns will miss the game with a knee soreness as the Club takes a conservative approach, while Brooke Plummer is the other Cat to make way.

The match will be streamed on the official AFLW App and website, while also being broadcast on Fox Footy and Kayo. First bounce is at 6:15pm at GMHBA Stadium, with tickets available through Ticketmaster. 

Latest Videos

  • 02:20
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Max Holmes Post Game | Round 8

    Max Holmes spoke to Cats TV after a tough loss to the Demons in Round 8. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

    AFL
  • 07:31
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Chris Scott Post Game | Round 8

    Watch Geelong’s press conference after round eight’s match against Melbourne

    AFL
  • 06:12
    Highlights
    Highlights

    AFL Highlights | Round 8

    Watch the highlights from Geelong's Round 8 clash with Melbourne.

    AFL
  • 00:38
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Clark’s First Goal For Cats

    Jhye Clark finds a pocket of space and drills through his first career goal at a timely moment

    AFL
  • 00:51
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Sizzling Stengle and Flying Zach Sparks Match Alive

    Zach Guthrie takes a brilliant high-flying mark before Tyson Stengle provides a special moment of magic

    AFL
  • 00:38
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Slick Stengle snap gets Cats purring early

    Tyson Stengle reads the crumb to perfection and curls it home for Geelong's first

    AFL
  • 10:59
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Chris Scott Press Conference | Round 8

    Chris Scott speaks to the media ahead of Geelong's Round 8 game against the Dees. Proudly Presented by Morris.

    AFL
  • 05:27
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Time Cat-sule Round 18, 2018 | Hawkins & Tuohy Combine For Crazy Comeback

    Ahead of Geelong's game against the Dees on Saturday, take a look back at one of the great wins as the Cats clawed their way to victory in a thrilling final quarter comeback against Melbourne.

    AFL
  • 42:48
    Podcast
    Podcast

    To The Final Bell | Round 8

    Lingy and MegMac return to discuss the massive win over the Blues, looking ahead to facing the Demons and answering your fan questions!

    AFL
    podcasts
  • 11:26
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Jack Bowes Press Conference | Round 8

    Jack Bowes speaks to media ahead of Geelong's big Round 8 clash with Melbourne Demons at the MCG. Proudly sponsored by Ford

    AFL
  • 01:59
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Jeremy Cameron Highlights | Round 7

    Jeremy Cameron was elite on Saturday with a match winning performance against the Blues.

    AFL
  • 08:31
    Feature
    Feature

    Game Film Round 7 | Classic Clash At The 'G

    Come behind the scenes of what was an eventful ANZAC Round clash between the Cats and Blues!

    AFL
  • 02:57
    Community
    Community

    The Resilience Project Inspires the Geelong Community

    More than 2000 Geelong students, parents and teachers experienced The Resilience Project in action with a series of interactive and engaging live presentations. Powered by GMHBA and supported by the Geelong Football Club

    AFL
  • 01:01
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Jake Kolodjashnij Highlights | Round 7

    Kola played a crucial role on Saturday, repeatedly stopping Charlie Curnow from getting to scoring opportunities.

    AFL
  • 07:54
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Team Highlights | Round 7

    Watch some of the best work the Cats produced together in the big win over the Blues.

    AFL
  • 03:37
    Interview
    Interview

    Jake Kolodjashnij Post Game | Round 7

    Hear from Jake Kolodjashnij post game in the rooms after the win against the Blues. Presented by Ford.

    AFL
  • 04:10
    Interview
    Interview

    Jeremy Cameron Post Game | Round 7

    Hear from Jeremy Cameron post game after the win against Carlton. Presented by Ford.

    AFL
  • 10:27
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Chris Scott Post Game | Round 7

    Hear from senior coach Chris Scott following Geelong's win over Carlton on Saturday.

    AFL
  • 00:20
    Highlights
    Highlights

    Team Song | Round 7

    Watch the Cats celebrate their round seven win

    AFL
  • 01:40

    Cameron Rises To Occasion With Scintillating Showing

    Jeremy Cameron celebrates notching 600 career goals alongside an impressive win for the Cats

    AFL

AFLW Round 5 Team

In: Julia Crockett-Grills, Abbey McDonald
Out: Rachel Kearns (knee), Brooke Plummer (omitted)

Backs 26. Claudia Gunjaca 44. Melissa Bragg  
Half-Backs 16. Chantel Emonson 11. Meghan McDonald (C) 10. Georgie Rankin
Centreline 9. Nina Morrison (VC) 41. Georgie Prespakis 1. Mikayla Bowen
Half-Forwards 4. Darcy Moloney 5. Jackie Parry 7. Kate Surman
Forwards 45. Aishling Moloney 14. Chloe Scheer  
Followers 46. Erin Hoare 21. Rebecca Webster 3. Amy McDonald
Interchange 12. Renee Garing 20. Zali Friswell 8. Kate Darby
  6. Julia Crockett-Grills 39. Abbey McDonald  
       
Emergencies 19. Brooke Plummer 32. Gabbi Featherston 31. Ingrid Houtsma