With a host of new faces in the mix, Geelong’s VFL squad is eager to launch into their practice matches, which begin on Thursday night.

New senior coach Mark Corrigan, who led Casey Demons to a flag last year, said after a big pre-season of learning and development, the players were ready to test out what they’ve been practicing against an opponent.

“There’s been a lot of connection and trying to get to know one another and understand everyone’s stories – that’s been really exciting,” he said.

“From a VFL perspective, we’re still trying to get an assessment on where everyone sits and where their strengths are, so the boys are really hungry to play against someone different.

“It’s not quite the same when you’re training against each other – you know what you’re trying to do and trying to achieve, so when you get some actual opposition out there, it’s more like an actual game of football.

“So I think they’re just hungry to get out there and compete against someone other than themselves.”

While the VFL squad is still being finalised, 2023 is shaping up as an exciting year for new talent in the program, both young and experienced.

“There’s a lot of new players who I think have got plenty of upside,” Corrigan said.

“A couple of those are Ryan Eyers, who’s a 19-year-old from Murray (Bushrangers). Tanner Lewis, who’s a local from (Geelong West) Giants. There’s also Hunter Gottschling, Tyler Norton also from the Murray.

“For the VFL, when you can play a 19-year-old as a 23rd player, you get an opportunity to look at these guys early.

“We’re fortunate enough to have Brayden Ham who’s of Essendon’s list in amongst our program, (and) Tynan Smith who’s from the Bullants.

“So there’s a lot of young, fresh faces, but also some experience in there, which will give us a good blend.”

Corrigan, who was with the VFL Cats from 2011-2014 as player and midfield coach, said he was looking forward to working with the AFL program to help develop AFL-listed players, saying the squeeze for spots was a “healthy” position for the club to be in.

“The unfortunate reality is 43 doesn’t go into 22 from an AFL perspective, so there’s guys who miss out playing AFL, but I think that’s healthy,” he said.

“If we’ve got guys who can master their roles really quickly and learn and adjust and continue to grow and develop, and hopefully put some pressure on those guys playing AFL, then that’s a really healthy environment.

“So from a VFL perspective, we’ll be trying to upskill these players as quickly as possible to be able to fill roles within the AFL, or if not, put pressure on those guys (in the AFL team).”

Geelong’s VFL squad will have its first competitive hit-out on Thursday night as part of the eight-period match simulation against Hawthorn and Box Hill Hawks.

The simulation will feature eight 30-minute periods, with first bounce at 4pm. Entry is free and Gate 13 in the Brownlow Stand will be open from 3.30pm.

VFL Practice Matches

Match 1
Geelong vs Box Hill Hawks
Thursday 23 March as part of AFL Match Simulation against Hawthorn
AFL Match Simulation starts at 4pm at GMHBA Stadium

Match 2
Geelong v Werribee
Friday 10 March
7pm at GMHBA Stadium

Match 3
Collingwood v Geelong
Saturday 18 March
2pm at AIA Vitality Centre, Melbourne Park