Geelong are showing that the club’s future is in good hands, with a number of young Cats putting their best foot forward at training ahead of the 2024 season.
The Cats welcomed eight new players to GMHBA Stadium during the off season, including a number of highly talented draftees that already look right at home in the blue and white hoops.
With Geelong’s season opener against St Kilda looming just over six weeks away, the Cats have ramped up their pre season ahead of a big 2024 campaign.
Assistant coach James Kelly provided an update on the new additions, noting how impressive the next generation had been in their first pre season with the club.
"The first year players are all going really well,” Kelly said.
“Oli Wiltshire was sort of picked from nowhere down at Barwon Heads, but we are really impressed with what he has been able to do.
"Mitch Edwards has been really great, George Stevens is a really determined and driven kid.
"Where those kids end up fitting in throughout the 2024 season, we don't know but we don't have a ceiling on what they can achieve as players.
"We are happy to let them go and see what they can do, but try to guide them along the way as best we can."
The Cats first selection from last year’s draft, Connor O’Sullivan is one that has particularly caught the eye of the coaching staff in his first months at the club.
Taken with the 11th pick in the draft, O’Sullivan has impressed with his size and athleticism, while possessing incredible aerial abilities to make him a threat right across the ground.
Kelly noted how comfortable the young defender has looked early in his AFL journey, not missing a beat during the pre season in a very promising sign for the club.
"He is just an impressive kid,” Kelly said.
“We heard in the lead up to draft that he had good leadership qualities, he's tall and athletic with the ability to take a really good mark.
"All those things that stood out in the draft report, we haven't seen anything to suggest otherwise.
"He is a really good learner, he is very determined and really wants to be the best he can be.
"He is one of those guys who comes in and just feels like a Geelong man really quickly."
The Cats will continue their pre season preparation into February, ahead of their official practice match against Essendon at GMHBA Stadium on the 1st of March.
Geelong will also play an unofficial match simulation against Carlton at IKON Park, on Thursday the 22nd of February which will provide free entry to fans, with the game also broadcast on Kayo.
