Cats to get that Narkle sparkle

EXCITING young midfielder Quinton Narkle will become Geelong’s sixth debutant of the year when he squares off against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.

Fully recovered following a knee reconstruction in mid-2017, the 20-year-old has been rewarded for some eye-catching performances in the VFL.

Key defender Harry Taylor, forward Dan Menzel and midfielders Scott Selwood and Cam Guthrie are all in contention to take on the Bulldogs after coming off the injury list.

Several others, including ruckman Zac Smith, utility Nakia Cockatoo and backman Lachie Henderson will spend at least one week in the VFL before being considered for senior selection.

Coach Chris Scott faces a tricky balancing act introducing the group back into the topflight as the AFL team’s next three games are on Friday followed by two Thursday-night interstate clashes, while the Geelong VFL team plays later each weekend.

But Narkle is a certain starter against a Bulldogs team already out of finals contention.

“We’re excited to see him on the big stage and we’re confident that he’ll do well,” Scott said yesterday. “He kicked a beautiful goal [in the VFL] a couple of weeks ago, winning the ball in deep 50 and taking it all the way down the ground.

“He’s a really contested player, sharp with the ball, who can play multiple roles.”