GEELONG will unveil mature-age big man Darcy Fort in Saturday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium.
Fort, 25, is among two inclusions for the Cats, with captain Joel Selwood returning after missing a fortnight with soreness.
Esava Ratugolea has been managed, while Charlie Constable – a late inclusion for Selwood last week – has been dropped despite racking 27 touches against North Melbourne.
Fort, whose football journey started at South Barwon and took him to the Geelong Falcons, Werribee, Footscray and Central Districts before being drafted with pick No.68 last year, has earned a debut on the back of some strong form in the VFL, including three goals against the Roos last week.
When asked at Thursday’s media conference if Fort was “extremely close” to an AFL debut, coach Chris Scott replied, “yeah, he is”.
“He played well at VFL level and continues to play well at VFL level, and we’re comfortable – if comfortable’s the right word – that our three ruckmen/forward types are playing well in the VFL and ready to take their chance if it comes up,” Scott added.
“So, Ryan Abbott and Zac Smith are in that category as well.
“It would be more than fair if Darcy gets his chance pretty soon.”
The Bulldogs, who had the better of Brisbane Lions by 16 points in Ballarat last week, are unchanged.
K rock is live from 3 pm Saturday on FM 95.5 across Geelong and the Surf Coast, and via AFL.com.au or the AFL app.
Twitter: @tom_king79
AFL ROUND 9
GEELONG (1st) vs. WESTERN BULLDOGS (10th)
GMHBA Stadium
Saturday, May 18, 4:35 pm
[supsystic-tables id=’4′]
