Geelong will head back down the highway to host Melbourne in their first home game of the year at GMHBA Stadium this Saturday at 7.25pm.

We take a look at which Geelong players impressed in the club’s VFL practice match win against Collingwood and could come into the selection mix.


Quinton Narkle (28 disposals, one goal)
Narkle put his hand up for an AFL return with a four-quarter effort in the Cats’ VFL practice match win against Collingwood on Friday. The 21-year-old collected 28 disposals and kicked a goal to be named best afield.

Jordan Cunico (31 disposals)
Cunico had the ball on a string in the Cats VFL hit-out, finishing with a game-high 31 disposals. Was named as an AFL emergency on Friday night and could come into contention to play the Dees on Saturday.

Lachie Henderson (16 disposals, eight marks)
Viewed by many as extremely unlucky to miss out on AFL selection. Henderson was amongst the Cats best in the VFL with 16 touches and eight marks.

The key defender was prolific down back but may find it hard to break into an AFL back six which restricted Collingwood to just 65 points.

Zach Tuohy
An attacking weapon off half-back, Zac Tuohy’s remarkable streak of 138 AFL games came to an end after he missed the Cats round one win.

Last time the Cats played the Dees in Geelong he was the hero, kicking a match winning goal after the siren. If he can prove his fitness on the track, he is likely to return this week.

Cameron Guthrie
Missed the Cats round one win and will be firmly in the selection mix for a recall this week. His ability to rotate through defence and the engine room could be crucial against a strong Melbourne on-ball brigade.

Ryan Abbott
Was named as an emergency in round one. Could come into consideration to face the Dees if the coaching group feel Stanley could do with some additional support in the ruck against Max Gawn.

Darcy Fort (16 disposals, three goals)
Since having his name read out with the 65th selection in the 2018 draft, Fort has made a strong impression. He was a standout for the Cats on Friday, kicking a team-high three goals to go with 16 disposals in an encouraging display.

James Parsons
Named an emergency in round one. Parsons hasn’t missed a beat throughout the pre-season and will be looking to add to his career tally of 31 games this week.