Two big inclusions give Cats an edge over Saints
GEELONG has received a double boost ahead of its clash with St Kilda, with stars Tim Ludeman and Jake Reed set to return.
Cats coach Liam Buchanan last night declared Ludeman and Reed would slot back into the First XI after missing the season-opener against Melbourne.
And in a further boost for Geelong, the Saints are likely to be without Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson.
Buchanan was notified yes- terday that Handscomb and Maddinson, who were part of Victoria’s JLT Cup triumph on Wednesday, would not suit up for the Saints.
“Maddison has rehab and Handscomb is being rested this weekend, so that’s pretty handy,” Buchanan said. “I was pretty happy when I saw that.”
Young Cats Nathan Alexander and Josh Larkin will make way for Ludeman and Reed, who were both unavailable in Round 1.
Reed, who has overcome a shoulder injury, will take the new ball alongside in-form quick Dom McGlinchey.
“He’s been playing a fair bit of cricket, so he’s raring to go,” Buchanan said of Reed.
“He’s been bowling with us and Victoria for a while now, so he’s good to go and he’s keen to show that he’s ready to play again.”
Ludeman will slot into the top order, but Buchanan and skipper Eamonn Vines are yet to decide whether he will take the place of Hayden Butterworth or Josh McDonald or move further down the list.
“He’ll bat in the top four, but we’re not sure whether he’ll open yet or maybe he’ll bat at four,” Buchanan
“I’ll leave that up to the skipper.”
Fresh from a 36-run win over Melbourne, Buchanan said his side was brimming with confidence.
“The boys played how I thought they’d play,” he said.
“With the age, the amount of games that they’ve played and the quality in the side, they’re playing the way they should.
“We’ve got a good list and a lot of flexibility with batters who can bowl and vice versa. Blokes like Tyler Larkin and Dom McGlinchey are going to be batting at eight or nine.
“Brody Couch hardly went out last year and got a 40 or 50 and he’s at 10 and then Jake Reed at 11. So we’ve got a nice batting list and plenty of depth in the bowling with Jake back.
“It’s a well balanced oneday side.”
The absence of Maddinson and Victorian captain Handscomb will hurt St Kilda, but Buchanan remains wary.
“They had a good win last weekend and they’re playing well,” Buchanan said.
“It will be a good test, but what I’m trying to instil at the club is I expect to beat everyone. And the sooner that they start believing that they’re good enough to do that, we’ll be a hard team to beat when the boys get their tail up.”