Cats keen to celebrate Stanley milestone against Roos

Rhys Stanley is celebrating, after traversing a long and bumpy road to his 200th AFL game.

Ruckman Rhys Stanley says his move from St Kilda to Geelong at the end of 2014 was a blessing.

Now 33, with a premiership and 199 AFL games under his belt, it’s hard to argue.

Geelong will hope to celebrate the big man’s 200th game – against North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday – in style.

“I’m really proud of Rhys,” coach Chris Scott said.

“We brought him in specifically to be a ruckman and he’s just been terrific value for us. He’s been a really good person to have around the club and performed well for us on the big stage.

“But it hasn’t been easy for him. He’s had his ups and downs, he’s had to fight his way through, and my observation is that he is better for it.”

Convinced to join the Cats in a phone call from Scott, Stanley has no regrets.

“It’s taken me a while, 16-odd years, a few injuries along the way. It’s obviously something myself and the family are pretty proud of,” he said.

“There are times where you’re constantly sitting on the side, trips to Germany to fix hammies.

“Early days, I battled with a few injuries I couldn’t get over.

“Then, I think the move to Geelong was a real blessing. It reinvigorated my footy and from that point, I probably didn’t doubt as much I’d get there.”

The Cats  (4-0) will have full belief they can maintain their perfect record against struggling North Melbourne (0-4).

“Well there’s not too many people who have gone down to the Cattery and won games of footy. They’ve been terrific down there,” Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson said.

“They’ve started their season really well.”

Clarkson pointed to George Wardlaw going toe-to-toe with Lachie Neale and Charlie Comben’s impressive return down back against Brisbane as the signs that could help North long-term.

“They’re the things, the little wins that we’re searching for as a club right now,” he said.

“It might not come in terms of the scoreboard right now. But they’re the little wins that we’re looking for.”

Cam Zurhaar (calf), Kallan Dawson (ankle) and Liam Shiels (soreness) have been ruled out, while Jaidyn Stephenson was dropped.

Key forward Tyler Sellers will make his AFL debut while former Tiger Bigoa Nyuon will play his first game for the Kangaroos, with Charlie Lazzaro and Blake Drury recalled.

Geelong’s first round pick Connor O’Sullivan, a key defender, will debut in place of Jake Kolodjashnij (managed).