GEELONG Falcon turned Cat Cooper Whyte has been turning heads on the training track in his first pre-season at the club.
The local product and former basketballer was selected at pick 64 in last year’s National Draft and has been an early bolter from the Cats crop of young talent.
VFL Coach Shane O’Bree and head of development Matt Egan have been impressed with how the nuggety mid has handled himself in match simulation.
“He’s probably been a surprise packet in some of the games early,” the academy coaches said.
“He has a really nice kick, is good in tight where he can get the ball and break out of contests and has a really good running ability.
“He’s probably one that hasn’t had any setbacks and is getting through the pre-season at the moment really, really well.”
The versatile Whyte is taking every opportunity to soak in as much knowledge as possible, including during a recent visit from club legend and premiership captain Cameron Ling.
Whyte and the 14 first-to-fourth year Cats are a part of the newly named Cameron Ling Academy, which develops the Cats’ young playing stocks.
“It was pretty surreal to see him (Ling) face to face and hear his stories and see what type of person he is off the field,” Whyte says.
“Understanding those values that we hold close to the academy and how he reflects them as well (was great).”
Whyte’s ears have been open for all the advice coming his way.
“I really enjoying learning off all the experienced players we’ve got on the squad,” he says.
“I’m getting a lot of feedback from a lot of the players, so I feel pretty confident out there knowing everyone is supporting me.
“It’s a really good culture down here so I’m really enjoying it.
The 181cm left-footer has had some of Geelong’s biggest names taking him under their wings.
“Tom Stewart and Patty Dangerfield have probably been the main two, even Blitz as well – even though he’s a defender he’s still helping me out up the ground as well.”
“They’ve just been providing me a lot of feedback during training which is great.”
The Grovedale junior footballer is enjoying living out his dream so close to home.
“It definitely helped with the transition off-field, getting to stick around family and friends and sort of have those support networks outside the club as well,” he says
“It’s great to hang around locally.”
Whyte hasn’t missed a beat in his first AFL pre-season and will be looking to hit the ground running as the action kicks off.
"I’ve been a bit taken by surprise by how eased into it we’ve been by the trainers and stuff. I thought it would be pretty full on," he says.
"They’ve looked after us and from that I’ve been able to complete all my sessions without any problems so it’s been helpful."
