Reef McInnes will make his long-awaited AFL debut against Geelong on Saturday.

Drafted in 2020 at pick 23, the midfielder was a standout in the VFL last weekend and slotted two goals from 15 disposals.

Head coach Craig McRae said McInnes had earned the call-up not only on the strength of his VFL performance but after a Summer of perseverance. 

"We want to reward behaviours and Reef has been doing a lot right for a long time," Fly said.

"He's been ready (to play AFL) for quite a while.

"Last week watching the VFL he was outstanding and that's a result of his efforts off the field.

"I saw him in the gym every day over Summer - he was someone who impressed me on my first day at the club."

A medium grade syndesmosis injury forced McInnes to spend three months on the sideline last year.

The 19-year-old will bring strength and elite pace to the midfield.