TOM ATKINS entered 2021 with a degree of uncertainty about his standing within Geelong’s best 22, but by season end had transformed from a pressure forward into a small defender and an important cog in Geelong’s defensive group.

The same traits that made him a favourite amongst Cats’ supporters in his first two years on Geelong’s AFL list, were the same that saw him succeed down back.

Atkins played 22 games throughout 2021 and ranked inside the top six general defenders in the competition for average tackles (3.4), pressure acts (14.9), defensive half pressure acts (10.4), contested possessions (6.7), ground ball gets (5.4) and stoppage clearances (1).

His customary ferocious attack on the football and clean hands at stoppages provided Geelong’s backline with a new dimension.

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Atkins Highlights

Enjoy some highlights from Tom Atkins' 2021 season.

Season Averages

Disposals: 17.1 (11th at Geelong)
Contested Possessions: 6.7 (9th at Geelong)
Uncontested Possessions: 11.2 (10th at Geelong)
Intercept Possessions: 4.5 (4th at Geelong)
Ground Ball Gets: 5.4 (5th at Geelong)
Pressure Acts: 14.9 (7th at Geelong
Defensive Pressure Acts: 10.4 (1st at Geelong)
Rebound 50s: 1.9 (8th at Geelong)
Tackles: 3.4 (6th at Geelong)

The Quote

“The lesson I learned is that it (footy) is bigger than the individual. At the time, for you, it feels like the worse thing that’s happened but it’s not really about that. It’s about the Geelong footy club trying to win a grand final, ultimately.”

- Tom Atkins on being asked how he felt earlier this year when he had to learn a new role down back.

Stats File

The Telstra tracker defines defensive workrate as the average speed a player runs when the opposition has possession of the ball.

In Round 18, Tom Atkins clocked 10.3 km/h which was the best result by any Geelong player throughout 2021.

Tom Atkins Showreel

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  • 13:32
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    Tom Atkins & Nina Morrison Press Conference

    AFLW midfielder Nina Morrison and AFL midfielder Tom Atkins speak to media ahead of AFLW Round 1. Presented by Ford

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    Tom Atkins Post Game | Round 18

    Tom Atkins had an important task in the midfield and gelled with his teammates to help take the Cats to a win. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

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    Tom Atkins: St Joseph's at Heart | Country Game 2024

    We sat down with Tom Atkins ahead of our Country Game against Essendon to chat all things local footy, St Jospeh's, the volunteers who keep our game running and some of his favourite memories!

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    Tom Atkins Press Conference | Round 13

    Listen to Tom Atkins, ahead of Geelong's Round 13 clash with the Sydney Swans. Proudly Presented by Ford

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  • 05:21
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    Tom Atkins Press Conference | Opening Round

    Tom Atkins spoke to the media ahead of Opening Round, and about the Cats' pre season so far. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

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  • 15:33
    Press Conference
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    King and Atkins Press Conference

    Assistant Coach Steven King and midfielder Tom Atkins spoke to media at GMHBA Stadium on Friday. Presented by Ford.

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  • 02:56
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    Tom Atkins | Interview

    Tom Atkins speaks to Geelong Cats Media to reflect on the preseason so far. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia

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    Carji: Runner Up

    Find out who is the second place winner in the 2023 Carji Greeves Medal. Presented by Morgan Stanley.

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    Carji: Tom Harley Best Clubman Award

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  • 02:00
    Highlights
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    Tackling Tom Highlights

    Tom Atkins was a tackling machine for the Cats in 2023 finishing the AFL home and away season ranked equal second overall for most tackles with 175.

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  • 04:21
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    Interview

    Atkins Post Game | Round 23

    Tom Atkins speaks to the media after Round 23's loss to the Saints, after only the second time in 17 seasons Geelong won't be eligible for finals. Proudly Presented by Ford.

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  • 00:59

    Atkins Milestone | 100 Games

    Tom Atkins his set to play his 100th game against the Lions. Take a look at some of his highlights over the journey.

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  • 01:00

    Tom Atkins Highlights | Round 18

    Tom Atkins was at his bullish best against the Bombers with 9 clearances and 12 tackles.

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  • 07:21
    Press Conference
    Press Conference

    Atkins and Cameron Press Conference | Round 15

    Tom Atkins and Jeremy Cameron spoke to the media ahead of Retro Round and taking on the Dees. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.

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  • 06:07

    Tom Atkins on AFL 360

    Tom Atkins spoke on all things leading up to Round 6 on AFL 360 on Thursday night.

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  • 00:50

    Atkins the Tackle Machine

    Tom Atkins is equal second in the league for tackles with 16 tackles in the first two rounds of season 2023.

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  • 01:26

    Atkins The Tackle Machine

    Tom Atkins had 157 tackles in season 2022 and is now ranked 2nd for most tackles in a season in Geelong History.

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  • 01:59

    Five Key Cats Commit

    Geelong's pre-season has been given an early boost with five Premiership players committing to new deals ahead of the 2023 AFL season.

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Standout Moment

It took Tom Atkins a little longer than most to make it onto an AFL list including a five-year journey within Geelong’s VFL development program.

Now three years into his AFL career and Tom Atkins has notched up 57 AFL games, so it was fitting back in June that the Club would offer him two-year extension which will see the former St Joseph’s star remain a Cat until at least 2023.

At 26-years-old, Atkins still has his best footy in front of him too.

Game-Breaking Performance

Atkins had a milestone match to remember in Geelong’s Round 16 win against Essendon.

In game number 50, the 26-year-old recorded a career high 29 disposals, 11 ground ball gets, eight intercepts and six tackles to be named in Geelong’s best players.