Connor O’Sullivan has showed great signs since cementing his place in Geelong’s best 23, with the high-flying defender taking learnings every week.
Speaking to Cats Media after Geelong’s defeat to Carlton in Round 7, O’Sullivan didn’t shy away from the team’s performance, instead turning the learnings into fuel to go again.
“I feel like our fight and our effort over the four quarters was obviously commendable.
“We probably just weren't there in little patches and they really capitalised on that. We sort of spoke about it at half time, but our fundamentals probably weren't where we wanted them to be.
“All in all, I feel like we worked for all four quarters, we didn't just give in, which was obviously really promising. We'll just look to take what we can out of this week and go work towards next week.”
O’Sullivan can certainly hold his head high after the game, finishing with 17 disposals, 8 marks, and 12 intercept possessions, splitting his time across the game on spearhead Charlie Curnow and the returning Harry McKay, but there are always lessons to be learned when playing on the best.
“I feel like for us especially Sam De Koning and I, (we had) obviously McKay and Curnow, it was just about minimising their impact. And to be honest, they did have pretty good days, so I think we've got a lot of learning to take out of that, particularly myself.
“I feel like I had some good moments, but definitely some stuff I could work on. But I feel like as a whole backs group, we worked really well together in terms of setting up (defensively). We sort of didn't move the ball how we necessarily would have liked, but I feel like our defensive effort and our defensive pressure was there all game.”
The 198cm key defender had the footy world talking after his Rising Star Nomination in Round 2 against the Saints, with his intercept marking skills and ability to read the play a key discussion point that saw his name thrust up early in the season as another potential winner of the award after Ollie Dempsey’s triumph in 2024.
The focus for Connor is well and truly on the now however, with each game passing looking to grow and develop all he’s taking on board.
“Yeah, it's sort of I guess finding my role in the team and what that looks like.
“I feel like with the support of the other boys in the backline, I'm just sort of still finding my feet a little bit and understanding what it takes to be an AFL footballer.
“For me, it's just every week trying to go out and show my strengths but also give respect to some of the best forwards in the comp and try and minimise their impact….it's just a continual growth thing.
“Obviously (only) seven rounds into this year, but I still feel like I've got so much more to go.”
The Cats take on the Pies in a blockbuster clash on Saturday night at the MCG, completing their run of three consecutive games at the venue.
Saturday night's match against Collingwood is fully ticketed event. General Admission Cats members must upgrade their membership to a reserved seat to attend. Alternatively, Cats fans can purchase a ticket via Ticketek.
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