Christensen and West were both left on standby for last week’s AFL match against Hawthorn, while Walker and Barham are returning from injuries sustained in the AIS practice match the week before. Dawson Simpson is the only omission from the side at this stage after sustaining a corked thigh last week.
While the Cats are yet register a win in season 2011, the side will be full of confidence after giving premiership favourites Williamstown a fright in the Easter Sunday clash at Torquay.
Mitchell Brown, Steven Motlop, Jesse Stringer, George Burbury and VFL co-captains Troy Selwood and Matthew Firman have all made successful returns from injury over the past month and are all close to full fitness.
The St Kilda aligned Sandringham Zebras, who have won 2 of their first 3 matches, look set to name a strong line up with AFL talent such Raphael Clarke, Jason Blake, Brett Peake, Dean Polo, Robert Eddy and former Cat Ryan Gamble all likely to be selected for the clash.
With the Cats and Zebras both winning multiple premierships throughout the past decade, the two teams have built up an intense rivalry and have played out some breathtaking battles in recent times. Family pride will also be at stake with Cats rookie Jonathan Simpkin set to go head to head with his younger brother Tom Simpkin who was elevated to the St Kilda senior playing list last season.
The match will be something of a homecoming for talented VFL Cats midfielder Mark Corrigan who played 14 games with the Zebras during their premiership seasons of 2004 and 2005.
With the AFL side having a bye and 16 AFL and rookie listed players named in the 26 man squad, the match offers a wonderful opportunity for Geelong fans to get down to Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham and have a look at the players of the future.
The match kicks off at 2pm and Geelong members can gain entry for $5.00.
Round 5 Vs Sandringham Zebras
@ Trevor Barker Oval, 2pm kick off
B: Matthew Firman (co-cap), Tom Gillies, Ryan Bathie
HB: Josh Hunt, Andrew McLean, Cameron Guthrie
C: Steven Motlop, Troy Selwood (co-cap), Jaxson Barham
HF: Jonathan Simpkin, Mitchell Brown, Jesse Stringer
F: Trent West, Nathan Vardy, Jordan Schroder
Foll: Mark Blake, Joshua Cowan, Allen Christensen
I/C: George Burbury, Joshua Walker, Mitchell Cuthill, Casey Tutungi,Mark Corrigan, Tom Maas, Ben Raidme, Jackson Sheringham
