Joe Pike's journey to the top level was not necessarily a simple one, but the big ruckman displayed plenty of persistence and resilience before landing at Geelong in the 2024 draft. 

Overlooked in two previous drafts, Pike continued to ply his trade with the Geelong Falcons in 2024, while also featuring in six games for the Cats VFL team. 

The 19 year old certainly looked comfortable at the next level, averaging 10 disposals and 20 hit-outs per game while also pushing forward to impact the scoreboard at times. 

Pike said it was his first VFL game against Coburg, which proved to him that he was capable of competing at a higher level. 

"I played against a lot of AFL calibre rucks, guys like Ned Reeves and those types of rucks," Pike said. 

"They were obviously tough matchups and going in there, I wasn't expecting to blow everyone's socks off.

"I think my first game against Coburg was really important, because it helped me to understand that I can play at this level and make a good impact.

"I think I kicked a couple of goals and had 30-odd hitouts, so I think that put me on the right path and gave me a confidence boost to show me I can do it."

Pike's form across 2024 kept him on Geelong's radar heading into the draft, the Cats selecting the big ruckman with pick 31 in the 2024 rookie draft. 

It was a welcome reward for the 19 year old, after he went unselected in the 2023 National and 2024 midseason drafts. 

After a solid campaign last year, Pike said it was a special moment when his name was called out this year. 

"It is great, it is pretty surreal to be honest," Pike said. 

"Last year it was a bit of a setback mentally, just to try and get myself back up and going again.

"I really stuck at it, had a good year I feel and with the support of the people around me at Falcons and the VFL here, they set me up really well.

"It has obviously worked out as good as it can get, it has been really special."