He might be just six games into his career at Geelong, but Lawson Humphries has given Cats fans plenty to get excited about in the early stages of the 2024 VFL season.

Drafted from the Swan Districts with pick 63 in the 2023 National draft, Humphries has slotted seamlessly into the Cats backline, averaging 22 possessions and six marks per game across the opening six weeks of the season.

Amassing a game high 27 disposals in the VFL Cats big win over Frankston on Sunday, the 21 year old has been influential with his defensive contest work, but also his ability to get dangerous offensively.

Despite his strong start to the year, Humphries gave all the credit to the team around him for helping him settle into life at GMHBA Stadium.

"I think for me, having that strong connection around the group makes me a better player,” Humphries told Cats Media.

“I have found that the group is really united and when that happens, it just makes footy more fun and easier to play.

We have been doing really well out of the midfield, so that means the ball coming down back has been a lot easier to defend.

We are seeing in our style of footy that the connection is making a big difference, so there is a really good vibe around the group and we just want to keep building." 

Humphries spent 2023 playing for the Swan Districts in the WAFL, touted as an elite ball user and decision maker which landed him on the Cats radar heading into the National Draft.

The 21 year old has been an integral part of the Geelong back six this year, which has restricted its past four opponents to an average of 51 points per game. 

The speedy youngster has spent the majority of his inaugural season patrolling the half back line, but has also pushed forward to impact the scoreboard on multiple occasions. 

Humphries spoke about how comfortable he feels already in Geelong, while also noting one player in particular who has taken him under his wing.

"I really love Geelong,” Humphries said.

“I was a country kid growing up, so I feel like living outside a major city is epic and I am loving it.

I have learned a lot from Zach Guthrie.

Probably for me, my weakness at times is my physicality and defensive work which as a defender isn't the greatest thing.

Zach has really taken me under his wing, and helped me with things like my positioning and general defensive work.

From that my offense can really flow, Zach has been a lot of help for me and it's been really helpful."