Geelong have made five inclusions to their NAB Cup squad to take on Essendon at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton on Saturday.

Jimmy Bartel, Josh Caddy, Jock Cornell, Zac Bates and Tom Lonergan all come into the 29-man squad with Sam Menegola (knee), Andrew Mackie, Daniel Menzel and Jed Bews out of the side that lost to Collingwood last week.

Cornell, a goal kicking midfielder, was the Cats' first pick in last year's rookie draft and is the cousin of Essendon forward Joe Daniher.

Bates, also a rookie, has played 13 games for the Bendigo Bank Cats over the past two seasons in a small forward role.

The clash in Shepparton marks the first step in the Country Game program presented by Powercor recently launched by the two clubs.

The two teams will also face off in a blockbuster at the MCG in round four of the Toyota Premiership Season.

Michael Luxford and Tom Ruggles will come back into the Cats 29-man squad after being left out of last week’s side.

The Cats will finalise their side to 26 players prior to the game.

Cats squad:

1. Rhys Stanley 3. Jimmy Bartel 5. Nakia Cockatoo 6. Lincoln McCarthy 7. Harry Taylor 8. Jake Kolodjashnij 9. Zac Smith 11. Darcy Lang 13. Tom Lonergan 17. Jock Cornell 18. Josh Cowan 21. Jordan Murdoch 22. Mitch Duncan 23. Josh Caddy 25. Lachie Henderson 26. Tom Hawkins 28. Cory Gregson 29. Cam Guthrie 30. Nathan Vardy 32. Steven Motlop 33. George Horlin-Smith 35. Patrick Dangerfield 36. Tom Ruggles 37. Michael Luxford 39. Shane Kersten 40. Jackson Thurlow 43. Zac Bates 44. Corey Enright 46. Mark Blicavs