Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel has returned to the Cats’ line-up for Sunday’s crucial clash with the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

The three-time premiership player hasn’t taken the field at any level since suffering a serious knee injury against Gold Coast in Round Three.

Bartel is one of four players added to the team that lost to Melbourne at Simonds Stadium in Round 12.

Ruckman Dawson Simpson, defender Billie Smedts and untried midfielder Jarrad Jansen have also been included in the 25-man.

Two to debut? See Adelaide’s squad

Youngster Darcy Lang has been excluded from action due to quad soreness.

James Kelly, who was hoping to be fit after stepping up his recovery from an ankle injury, will require another week on the sidelines.

Geelong’s AFL Team is:

B: Jackson Thurlow, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright

HB: Jared Rivers, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie

C: Jordan Murdoch, Joel Selwood, Mark Blicavs

HF: Cory Gregson, Shane Kersten, Steven Motlop

F: Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins, Josh Caddy

FOL: Dawson Simpson, Steve Johnson, Cameron Guthrie

INT (from): Jimmy Bartel, Jed Bews, Jarrad Jansen, Jake Kolodjashnij, Michael Luxford, Billie Smedts, Josh Walker

IN: Jimmy Bartel, Dawson Simpson, Billie Smedts, Jarrad Jansen

OUT: Darcy Lang (quad)