Geelong will debut 21-year-old Swan Districts product Lawson Humphries after an impressive patch in the club's VFL side, forcing his way into selection on the Cats halfback line to face the Bombers on Saturday.
At the back end of 2023, Humphries returned from his WAFL club's seniors side to lift the reserves premierships before arriving at Kardinia Park with the 63rd pick in the national draft.
Speaking to media this week, Geelong coach Chris Scott conceded he had "spent a bit of time trying to work out where his flaws were" in the "accomplished" talent on landing at the club.
"He's really deserving of his chance. He caught our eye from early in the preseason, especially with his ball use," Scott said of Humphries.
"He's had a really good patch in the VFL. We've actually been talking about him seriously coming to the team for quite a few weeks now, and this feels like the right time. It may well end up being a little bit late.
"We think he's going to add something to our team, particularly in the back half.
"We've been thinking about him for a long time, and we continue to pick the best team we can, but also with a view to the evolution and the development of some of our key young players. And we think he'll come in and improve our team in the short term."
Across 11 VFL games, Humphries has averaged 22 touches and five marks - including an 28 and nine with two clearances in Geelong's 64-point win over Frankston in early May.
He also played produced some late stage heroics to lodge a win over Sydney a fortnight ago.
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As proven in the named sides, Scott guaranteed Humphries would fit into the starting 22 and "won't be the sub".
Scott had also said the 182cm half back had forced his way in "over other guys that are available" rather than mid-year injuries opening up spots in the team.
The Cats and Bombers play off in their Country game at the MCG, with Geelong playing jumpers bearing the local clubs players have come from.
Humphries' will bear a nod to the Wickham Wolves, his junior club back at home in the Pilbara.
He told Cats media the move to his new regionally-based club was a good fit.
"I really love Geelong," Humphries said.
"I was a country kid growing up, so I feel like living outside a major city is epic and I am loving it."
