The Chalcraft name is quickly becoming well-known across the VFL now that Kade has joined brother Jye down at GMHBA Stadium.

Jye Chalcraft is the reigning Geelong VFL best and fairest winner, putting together a stellar 2022 season in just his second year with the Cats.

Kade Chalcraft is slightly newer into the VFL system, debuting in round 16 last season for Geelong and is looking to establish himself as a regular in the Cats line-up.

The brothers grew up playing most of their footy at Shepparton United, before representing the Murray Bushrangers for the latter part of their junior careers.

Both Jye and Kade claimed plenty of individual accolades along the way, including back-to-back John Byrne Medal which Jye won in 2019 and Kade in 2021.

The Murray Bushrangers have developed and exported some of the biggest names in the AFL, including Clayton Oliver, Steele Sidebottom and Geelong legend, Steve Johnson.

Jye said their Murray Bushranger playing days helped to shape them into the footballer’s they are today.

“The Bushrangers is a great environment to be in,” Jye told geelongcats.com.au.

“They train out at Wangaratta which was a little bit of a hike for us Shepparton boys, but it was always enjoyable once we got there.

"Mark Brown is the head coach there still; he is one of the best coaches I have ever had. They teach you a lot of things and keep you in good stead for the future.”

The pair made similar moves from Shepparton down to Geelong, chasing greater opportunities to develop their craft and progress their football career.

Kade said this was always a goal for both of them, to reach higher levels in footy.

“It’s always been an aspiration for both of us, to play the highest standard of footy that we can," he said.

"It makes it easier having your brother here. The opportunity came to play for Geelong, I wanted to take it with both hands.”

Jye debuted with Geelong at the start of the 2021 season, playing just seven games but proving his potential as he averaged 18-disposals per game through the midfield.

Coming back in 2022, Jye took his game to the next level.

Taking control of the midfield for the Cats, Jye averaged 23-disposals and four tackles a game across his season, which resulted in the classy onballer taking home the VFL best and fairest award.

Jye said that he is striving to improve his game, with dreams of making it into the AFL one day.

“That’s why I moved to state league footy, to get the best out of myself,” Jye told geelongcats.com.au.

“I just keep trying to get better each week, trying to improve my game and hopefully I can get there (to the AFL) one day.”

Kade shifted his attention to Geelong in 2022, spending the majority of the year with GFL side, St Mary’s while playing an important role in their premiership run

2022 would also see Kade make his debut, playing three games with the Cats late in the season before re-joining the VFL side in two weeks ago against Southport.

Last weekend’s clash with Richmond would prove to be a breakout for Kade, who spent more time in the midfield and racked up 26-disposals and in incredible 12-clearances.

Kade said he has enjoyed the start of his career in the blue and white hoops.

“I’ve been here for a year and a half now, and done two pre-seasons," he said.

"I’ve got along with all the boys and it’s easier having my older brother here as well, to lean on when I’ve got questions.

"The last two weeks I’ve played in the VFL side and hopefully I can keep my spot. I’m just trying to get some continuity in football, keep my spot in the side and go from there.

"Take each week as it comes, then try to improve little things each week.”

Adding another aspect to his game in 2023, Jye is spending more time across half-forward to develop his craft away from the midfield. The move has proved fruitful, with Jye slotting six goals from his first seven games this year.

Jye said the move has been enjoyable so far.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time down forward," he said. 

"It’s been a bit different, usually I’m just and onballer but it’s always good to develop a different part of your game. I’ve also been lucky to get on the end for a couple of goals, which is good.”

The Chalcraft brothers will be players to watch for the rest of the season, with bright futures ahead of the gun midfielders.