FINDING NiMo

CATS STAR READY TO DIVE IN

GEELONG is preparing to unleash returning star Nina Morrison in a range of different roles as she plays her first game since Round 1 last year.

The 2018 No.1 draft pick was spectacular in her debut last year, winning best-onground honours.

Morrison, 19, then tore her ACL at training before the next match and has been working her way back since.

Tomorrow’s meeting with Fremantle will be her first match of any kind since, after she skipped a pre-season fixture with Western Bulldogs last month.

But Cats coach Paul Hood said he had no fears she would be rusty.

“She’s a pretty competitive person, Nina,” Hood said.

“I think she will be super excited.

“She’s been working so hard and she’s going to have a really great game, I’m sure.

“We don’t need her to go out there and be a superstar, we just need her to go out there with a smile on her face and really enjoy the day and that will be a good result for her and our team.

“There’s so many options available to us with Nina because she’s just such a wonderful athlete and so versatile as a player.

“We’ll see how the game unfolds and use her where we best see fit, but I’m pretty sure she’ll cover the ground pretty well.”

While Morrison returned to the side, Geelong showed off its depth by leaving out regulars from last year such as Cassie Blakeway, Maddie Boyd and Kate Darby.

With no reserves team in action during the season, Hood said those missing out had to keep sharp on the track to be ready should a spot open up.

“It is a sign of our depth that we’ve got some players who have played plenty of footy with us that are missing out this week,” he said.

“That puts selection pressure on everyone, and that actually means you’ve got a healthy squad, and it’s good competition within the team for spots that can help drive us forward.

“There will be a practice match or two along the way, but right now they just need to support the team the best they can and keep looking after themselves the best they can.”

“I think she will be super excited. She’s been working so hard and she’s going to have a really great game, I’m sure.” — CATS COACH PAUL HOOD ON RETURNING STAR

NINA MORRISON, pictured