A late change to Geelong's squad for Saturday will see second-year midfield-defender George Stevens named for his AFL debut, replacing All-Australian small forward Tyson Stengle in the senior side.
The Cats will be without Stengle for personal reasons, with his absence forcing the club into their sole change for Round 17 when they host Richmond at GMHBA Stadium.
In his place, Stevens has come into the squad for his maiden appearance at senior level, with the South Warrnambool product having bided his time in the VFL with strong form.
Stevens has averaged 26.4 disposals, 7.6 clearances, 6.2 tackles and 2.1 marks per game at the state league level, polling 40 coaches votes to sit in the top 10 in the competition.
The 20-year-old is a big-bodied midfielder who is capable of playing across half-back, with his flexible talent making him one of the top-rated teenagers ahead of the 2023 draft.
Stevens was taken with Pick 58 in the count and will become the fifth Cat from that crop to debut in the hoops, following Connor O'Sullivan, Shaun Mannagh, Lawson Humphries and Oli Wiltshire.
He will be the second debutant of the season for the Cats after Wiltshire made his first appearance in Round 7 against Carlton.
The Cats were initially unchanged for their clash with the Tigers but will now have the single squad alteration, with Stevens coming onto the interchange and Mitch Knevitt named as an emergency in his place.
Stevens could be considered for the sub role, with both sides to confirm their final teams an hour before the bounce.
Saturday's clash will get underway at Kardinia Park at 4:15pm (AEST).
