Two debutants set to take on the blues

GEELONG coach Chris Scott has announced two players will make their debut for the Cats in Thursday night’s game against Carlton at the MCG.

Midfielder Cooper Whyte and former Gold Coast Sun Jack Bowes will don the famous Geelong hoops for the first time.

According to Scott, it is an exciting moment for the team to welcome two new players to their ranks.

“Cooper Whyte will come in as a young player making his AFL debut, and Jack Bowes will play as well. So they’re the ins, and (Tom) Stewart is the out,” he said.

Bowes was expected to play in the Round 1 game against Collingwood but was sidelined due to a minor calf injury. However, the 25-year-old has since been declared fit to play and will add valuable experience to the Cats’ lineup, having played 83 games with the Suns.

Meanwhile, Whyte is set to make his debut in his second season at the club. The young player was selected at pick 64 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft, alongside two other Geelong Falcons products. Whyte honed his skills at the Grovedale Football Club before making his way to the AFL.

While Scott didn’t reveal the other player who will be left out of the side for the game against Carlton, he chose to focus on the positives of the debutants’ inclusion.

“We’re not ready to communicate the other out at the moment. In any case, I’d rather focus on the exciting part,” he said.

Geelong is coming off a disappointing loss to Collingwood in Round 1, and they will be eager to bounce back with a win against Carlton. With two new players in the lineup, the Cats will be looking to make a statement on the big stage at the MCG.