GEELONG has rested veteran key defender Tom Lonergan from Thursday's clash against Port Adelaide at Simonds Stadium, and has awarded medium defender Jordan Cunico his long-awaited debut.

The Cats have also recalled Cam Guthrie, who was a late withdrawal against the Western Bulldogs with a virus, and Darcy Lang, while Nakia Cockatoo (hamstring) and Mark O'Connor (omitted) are the other exclusions.

The Power have replaced injured star Chad Wingard (calf) with Aaron Young in their only change from the round eight team that defeated Gold Coast in Shanghai.

Match preview: Cats v Power

Cunico was selected by the Cats with pick No.59 in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft, but has had an injury-plagued start to his time at Simonds Stadium.

The former Gippsland Power player managed only four VFL games last season as he battled issues in both knees.

The 21-year-old is noted for his leg speed and the Cats view him as a potential dashing half-back.

Lonergan, 33, is being managed by the Cats after playing the first nine rounds.

Thursday, May 25

Geelong v Port Adelaide at Simonds Stadium, 7.20pm AEST

GEELONG

In: C.Guthrie, D.Lang, J.Cunico

Out: T.Lonergan (managed), N.Cockatoo (hamstring), M.O'Connor

New: Jordan Cunico (Gippsland U18)

PORT ADELAIDE

In: A.Young

Out: C.Wingard (calf)