DARCY Fort has won the battle to be Geelong’s No.1 ruckman to start the 2020 season after being named ahead of Rhys Stanley for Saturday night’s season-opener against the GWS Giants in Sydney.
Fort and Stanley played in both Marsh Series matches, with Fort getting the nod to add to his three games from his debut season last year.
His support will come from Esava Ratugolea, with former Adelaide star Josh Jenkins among the emergencies with Stanley, Brandan Parfitt and Sam Simpson.
Geelong confirmed what Chris Scott revealed on Wednesday, with both captain Joel Selwood and experienced midfielder Mitch Duncan to play despite limited pre-seasons.
Sixteen members of last year’s losing preliminary final team will play against the Giants.
Stanley and Parfitt join Jed Bews and Lachie Henderson as being left out of the side, while Jake Kolodjashnij remains sidelined with a hip injury and Tim Kelly is now with West Coast.
Coming into the team are Fort, Gary Rohan, Zach Guthrie, Tom Hawkins, who was suspended, Duncan and Jordan Clark, who were both injured.
The Cats will share a chartered flight with Melbourne’s AFLW team, who are playing the Giants in a final on Saturday afternoon, on Friday.
K rock is live from 6pm on FM 95.5 across Geelong and the Surf Coast, via AFL.com.au or the AFL app.
Twitter: @tom_king79
AFL ROUND 1
GWS GIANTS vs. GEELONG
GIANTS Stadium
Saturday, March 21, 7:25pm
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