Geelong has been boosted by the return of midfielder Georgie Prespakis for tomorrow night’s crucial Week 5 AFLW clash with Hawthorn at GMHBA Stadium.
Prespakis, who has battled ongoing quad issues, has missed the past two matches after being a late withdrawal before the loss to Carlton in Week 3.
She replaces Caitlin Thorne, who has been dropped after making her AFLW debut in last week’s win over Gold Coast.
The off-season signing is an emergency alongside draftee Chantal Mason and youngster Abbey McDonald.
Star forward Chloe Scheer remains TBC as she continues her recovery from toe surgery.
Approaching the season’s halfway mark, the Cats sit 12th on the ladder, six points outside the top eight.
Hawthorn is in 5th position, with a 3-1 win-loss record, and coming off a 57-point win over St Kilda.
“Off the back of a strong performance, all the girls are motivated to get out and play again,” coach Dan Lowther said.
“Playing on a quick turnaround is actually good timing for us; the momentum is there, and the willingness to play is really high.
“Hawthorn have been going really well, so it is another great challenge for us to play against a strong team who are on the rise.
“Our result on the weekend has highlighted the fact that we are progressing in the right direction.”
The Hawks also made one change, with young forward Bridie Hipwell replaced by Tahlia Fellows.
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GEELONG
IN: G. Prespakis
OUTS: C. Thorne
FB [26] Claudia Gunjaca,[16] Chantel Emonson
HB [21] Rebecca Webster,[11] Meghan McDonald,[22] Rachel Kearns
C [20] Zali Friswell,[41] Georgie Prespakis[6] Julia Crockett-Grills,
HF [7] Kate Surman,[5] Jacqueline Parry,[1] Mikayla Bowen
FF [45] Aishling Moloney,[12] Kate Kenny
FOL [8] Kate Darby,[3] Amy McDonald,[9] Nina Morrison
IC [32] Gabbi Featherston,[18] Anna-Rose Kennedy,[15] Shelley Scott,[10] Georgie Rankin,[4] Darcy Moloney
EMG [24] Chantal Mason,[39] Abbey McDonald,[25] Caitlin Thorne
