Conway to debut as Cats make seven changes

Geelong will unveil uncapped ruckman Toby Conway in Saturday night’s final-round meeting with the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium.

Conway, who joined the Cats with pick no.24 in the 2021 National Draft from the Geelong Falcons/Geelong College, has spent most of this year on the sidelines with a foot issue.

However, the St Mary’s junior has made three VFL appearances in the past month to earn his opportunity against the Bulldogs.

The 206cm Conway, who will become the 1111th player to don the hoops at VFL/AFL level, produced an eye-catching performance in the Cats’ win over the GWS Giants, tallying 26 hitouts, 21 disposals and five marks.

He is one of seven inclusions for Geelong as it looks to end the Western Bulldogs’ finals hopes by extending their losing streak at GMHBA Stadium – which dates back to 2003 – to 12 matches.

Jeremey Cameron (AC joint), Tom Hawkins (hamstring), Bradley Close (ankle), Esava Ratugolea (hamstring), Tanner Bruhn (ankle) and Mitch Duncan (suspended) won’t be seen again in 2023.

Coming into the team alongside Conway are Mitch Knevitt, Oisin Mullin, Ollie Dempsey, Rhys Stanley and Sam Menegola.

For 31-year-old Menegola, it’s his first AFL game since Round 22 last year.

Brandan Parfitt, who started as the sub in the loss to St Kilda, has come into the twenty-two.

Zach Tuohy is an emergency, along with Sam Simpson, Ted Clohesy and mid-season draftee Mitch Hardie.

Geelong has chosen not to play Cam Guthrie despite making a successful return in the VFL last week from a long-term toe injury.

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