KANGAROOS coach Dean Laidley says the team's midfield will have to be at its very best to beat Geelong on Sunday.

Laidley said pressure through the middle of the ground was the key to limiting the opportunities to big Cat forwards such as young sensation Tom Hawkins, Nathan Ablett, Cameron Mooney and Brad Ottens.

"They've got a very, very strong forward line and they've got a very strong rebounding backline," Laidley said.

"They would be a lot stronger than us across the board, so we've got to make sure we're up and about (with) plenty of pressure and make sure we play with that ruthlessness I suppose and really go down and hunt the footy down there."

The Kangaroos head to Skilled Stadium with morale high after breaking through for their first win of the season last week against Brisbane.

Laidley said it was good to see the players get some reward for their efforts against the Brisbane Lions at Carrara Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Veteran Glenn Archer had come through his first game back from a leg injury unscathed.

The Kangaroos have upgraded youngster Leigh Adams onto their senior list, with the 19-year-old to come straight into the line-up to make his AFL debut against the Cats.

Laidley said Adams' form in the VFL with Tasmania had been very good.

"It's pleasing for us, I think we've played 27 players now and four or five new ones and I think all the new guys we've brought in have shown some real promise," Laidley said.

"It's exciting from the club's point of view and I'm sure it's exciting from Leigh's point of view."

Last year, Adams captained Vic Metro to its third straight national under-18 championship and was named the team's most valuable player.

A hip injury disrupted his draft camp and he was not selected at the 2006 national draft, instead being picked up by the Kangaroos as a rookie.

Described as a "hard and aggressive player with a good kick" in the AFL media guide, the 176cm, 79kg, Adams was listed as Tasmania's best player in last week's VFL loss to North Ballarat.

Adams is the second rookie-listed player to be elevated at the Kangaroos this year after Matt Campbell, who was upgraded last month.

The pair replace Nathan Thompson (knee) and Leigh Harding (knee), who have been placed on the long-term injury list.