While competition for spots in the Club’s top 22 is beginning to cause selection headaches for Guy McKenna and his match committee team, Joel Wilkinson’s swift recall to the senior side shows how valuable the athletic defender has become to the Gold Coast’s backline.

The back-pocket flanker has been a viable defensive specialist for McKenna this season with the 21-year-old stringing together a series of strong performances across the back-half.

While Wilkinson only has a handful of games under his belt since returning from a high-ankle sprain, his impressive form during the opening premiership rounds, coupled with some outstanding NEAFL form was enough to see him elevated in time for Saturdays match against Geelong.

One of the Gold Coasts most athletic players, Wilkinson is determined to make the most of his recall, the 186cm defender saying he is looking forward to testing himself against a side many regard as favourites for this years Premiership.

“It’s good to come back and test yourself against one of the bench-mark teams in the competition,” he said.

“They’re a great side and there is no doubt it’ll be a hostile environment so I’ll definitely be a great test.”

While he’s quick to brush aside personal acclaim, the former Broadbeach Cats star said it was humbling to know the coaching staff respected his competitive efforts on the field.

“It gives me confidence knowing that I can play my role and what I do is respected around the club,” Wilkinson said.

“I just do what I’m told and perform what the team needs me to do to win.”

With Geelong boasting a proven list finishers at goals, from 2011 premiership hero Tom Hawkins to young gun Steven Motlop, Wilkinson is aware of the challenge that awaits him at Simonds Stadium tomorrow night.

“I spoke to Dean Solomon about some potential match-ups and we also went through some likely situations that could arise on Saturday night,” he said.

“But whichever match-up I’m given, I’ll be ready for it and hopefully can do my part to help the back-six get the ball out of our area and in to the hands of our forwards.”