Geelong's blockbuster clash with St Kilda has become a little bigger, with Chris Scott confirming that young forward Jay Polkinghorne will make his AFL debut on Thursday night at GMHBA Stadium. 

It is a well-deserved reward for the 20-year-old, who has been in stellar form in the VFL and has taken his game to new heights in recent weeks, putting him firmly in the selection window. 

Polkinghorne becomes Geelong's second debutant in the 2026 season, following on from Mitch Edwards' inaugural game in the Hoops which occurred in the Round 1 clash against Fremantle. 

Hailing from Penong in South Australia, Polkinghorne arrived at Geelong in the 2024 AFL draft, with the Cats selecting the talented forward with pick No. 44. 

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Jay Polkinghorne Interview | VFL Round 16

Jay Polkinghorne spoke to Cats Media after the Cats fought back a spirited Tigers outfit to claim an 82 point win. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

His potential was evident right away, displaying a remarkable aerial prowess and a brilliant goal sense, continually testing opposition defenders and remaining dangerous right until the final siren. 

In his third VFL game, Polkinghorne had a terrific outing against Casey in the 2025 season, kicking three goals from eight disposals to help lead the Cats to a narrow victory. 

It set up a brilliant debut campaign in the Hoops, with the high-flying forward going on to play 17 games and only being held goalless on one occasion, finishing as Geelong's leading goal-kicker with 31 majors for the year. 

A four-goal haul against Sydney in the final round of the season was the cherry on top of a brilliant debut season, leading into a strong pre-season to commence 2026 and putting him squarely in the selection window at the top level. 

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2025 Season Review | Jay Polkinghorne

In his first as a Cat, Jay Polkinghorne had a strong year in the VFL kicking 31 goals.

Polkinghorne commenced his second season with the Cats as he finished the first, recording 10 scoring shots from 14 disposals in the opening round of the VFL season, leading his side to a thumping victory over Essendon. 

Unfortunately he suffered an injury in that match which saw him miss an extended period of the year, but he returned with a bang in Round 11 and picked up right where he left off. 

Polkinghorne has kicked 16 goals from his last five games at VFL level since returning, which included a five-goal haul in last Saturday's victory over Richmond. 

He remarkably still sits in the top 25 leading goal-kickers in the 2026 VFL season, despite only featuring in six games. 

On the back of his impressive form, Polkinghorne has earned his AFL debut and will become the 1,122nd to pull on the blue and white Hoops at the elite level, when Geelong take on St Kilda at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night.