Cup clash gives Cats the chance to assess talls

AFL: Rhys Stanley is set to take the centre bounce tonight against West Coast, but mature-aged recruit Darcy Fort will get an opportunity to press his case for round one.

The two talls are set to battle for the No.1 ruck mantle in the JLT Series opener against the Eagles, with Zac Smith on the sidelines as he recovers from a back injury.

Geelong assistant coach Nigel Lappin said Fort, 25, would have every opportunity to press for the home-and-away season-opener against Collingwood later next month.

“Obviously with Zac Smith hurting himself recently, it’s opened the door really for ‘Forty’ to have a look,” Lappin said.

“He’s been super impressive throughout the preseason.

“He’s a really competitive big guy, he loves the contest and his follow-up work – he prides himself on that – and he can catch it when he goes forward. We’re looking forward to what he can bring.

“It’s nice to have some competitive big blokes on your list that are healthy.

“Rhys and Esava (Ratugolea) will do a fair bit of the work early on in the match play and then we’ll bring Darcy in to do a little bit of the work and lifting late in the game.”

Tim Kelly will also play against the reigning premiers, after asking to be traded to that club in the off-season.

Lappin said most of the Cats’ leaders, including Patrick Dangerfield, would play.

“Pat’s playing ... our leaders understand we need to start the year well and they’re looking forward to getting some match play,” Lappin said.

— Damien Ractliffe