From afar it might have seemed like a disjointed night for Ted Clohesy.

A late inclusion to the team to replace Bailey Smith, starting as the substitute and entering the game in the second quarter, but the young gun certainly made the most of his opportunity on Saturday night. 

Clohesy accumulated 16 disposals at over 80% efficiency, recorded five score involvements and kicked the first goal of his AFL career, adding a second major in the last quarter as the Cats mounted their comeback.

It was a promising display from the emerging forward, who said he is confident that Geelong will bounce back quickly next week. 

01:26

Ted Clohesy | Post Game Interview

Ted Clohesy spoke to Cats Media after Geelong's Round 2 clash against the Saints. Proudly Presented by Ford

"It was a good effort by the boys to get back in the game, but obviously it was a pretty disappointing result given the start we got off to," Clohesy told Cats Media. 

"We probably missed a couple of chances, but there were positives we can take and we were able to work our way back into the game.

"I think we will bounce back pretty quick and move on, takeaway what we did from the comeback at the end.

"We will look forward to Brisbane next week, which will be a really good challenge."

00:39

Clutch Clohesy’s First Career Goal

Ted Clohesy boots a pair of important Geelong majors after being subbed on in his fourth AFL game

Clohesy is part of an exciting young core that is starting to emerge at Geelong, which included 16 players aged 26 years or younger that took to the field in last night's clash with the Saints. 

In amongst that was a number of strong performances including Connor O'Sullivan (15 disposals, nine intercepts), Mitch Knevitt (16 disposals, seven tackles) and Jhye Clark (14 disposals, six score involvements) who all had an impact throughout the night. 

The sentiment was mirrored by Geelong coach, Chris Scott who said he was impressed by Clohesy's performance and is excited about what lies ahead for this group. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 22: Ted Clohesy of the Cats kicks a goal during the 2025 AFL Round 02 match between the St Kilda Saints and the Geelong Cats at Marvel Stadium on March 22, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos)

"Ted was really good tonight," Scott said. 

"He was one that had a real impact for us, it was really good to see.

"Ted is part of an exciting young group of players, without Dangerfield and Stewart in the midfield it was a real under 23's midfield unit tonight which is exciting for us. We have high standards when it comes to those guys and we are playing them because we think they are our best bet.

"Ted, Mitch Knevittt, Jhye Clark, Sam De Koning, Max Holmes, it is a bit exciting for us."