It came down to the final few selections in the 2024 draft, but Keighton Matofai-Forbes' AFL dream became a reality when Geelong drafted him with pick 69 on the second night of action. 

A powerful athlete with great skills by foot, Matofai-Forbes joins the Cats as a highly touted prospect out of the Western Jets. 

Across his 2024 season, the young forward booted 11 goals from seven games for the Jets while also representing Vic Metro in the AFL Under 18's Championships. 

Describing it as an incredible and somewhat unexpected moment, Matofai-Forbes recapped his draft experience and the elation he felt when his name was read out. 

"It was an absolutely surreal moment, I wasn't expecting it at all," Matofai-Forbes said. 

"That made it 100 times better in that sense, it has been crazy.

"I was aware the Cats had interest in me and that they were probably going to be the only club to take me, if it was a possibility.

"As it got later into the night, I wasn't really expecting it given that they had already taken a tall forward similar to myself."

Matofai-Forbes is touted as a very athletic prospect, someone that never shies away from a contest and possesses plenty of power. 

He was also noted as a strong leader both on and off the field, voted in as captain of the Western Jets in his top-age season. 

Matofai-Forbes provided some insight into the type of player he is, and what Cats fans can expect to see from him in 2025. 

"I would describe myself as a bit of a powerful player, a power athlete and that is where most of my strengths lie," Matofai-Forbes. 

"Like some of the other boys I am very aerobically based, can run all day.

"I can get up in the air and can move pretty quick, that is my strength."