The Bendigo Bank Cats have finalised their 2017 playing list, comprising of 24 VFL listed players and 10 development listed players.
Of the 34 named in both squads, 16 were previously listed in 2016 and have re-signed while the rest have been selected from various leagues across Victoria.
The new faces impressed in their respective leagues in 2016 and highlight the strength of talent in the TAC Cup, Geelong Football League, Goulburn Valley Football League and Hampden Football League.
The squad also sees two players recruited from the Southern Football League in Tasmania and two from rival VFL clubs.
The Geelong VFL program gives these local footballers a platform to showcase their ability at state level and further improve themselves in a professional environment.
The profound impact that the VFL pathway can have on a player is evident through the likes of Tom Stewart, Ryan Abbott, Timm House and Tom Ruggles going from local footballers to AFL listed players through the VFL pathway.
Motivated by the success of those players, local footballers are striving to play at the highest level possible.
Daniel Capiron is one of the new Cats motivated to play at the top level despite the obstacles he encountered last season.
Capiron toyed with the idea of playing local football in 2017 after his former club Frankston left the competition, before signing with the Cats in pursuit of an AFL dream.
20-year-old Capiron, along with former Magpie Ben Moloney, join the Cats with a wealth of VFL experience and will play important roles in season 2017.
Another new name with VFL experience is GFL stalwart Rob Condy, who was previously listed by the Cats in 2013.
Condy is back at the Cats after successive impressive seasons at Newtown, including GFL Team of the Year honours in 2016.
Jai Thompson was also named in that side and joins the Cats after leading Leopold to a maiden GFL premiership in 2016.
St. Mary’s youngster Jack Blood also joins the squad after captaining the Geelong Falcons in 2016.
Blood not only led the Falcons to a preliminary final but claimed the best and fairest award after a dominant year.
While the GFL has provided numerous representatives to the Cats’ squad, the talent in the side extends to further leagues across Victoria and Tasmania.
Key position player Trent McMullan joins the squad after a strong season at Murray Bushrangers whilst Ben Reid is a welcome addition after a best and fairest season at Echuca Football Club.
The number of Geelong VFL players from the Hampden Football League continues to increase as Koroit premiership star James Gow joins the 2017 squad.
Tasmanian duo Luke Webb and Callum Mitchell (development list) also join the squad following strong seasons down south.
Mitchell is among the 10-man strong development list which includes a host of youngsters looking to improve their game.
Leopold premiership winning duo Mitch Patten and Jack Berry join the development list for season 2017 after playing key roles in the Lions’ campaign.
The likes of Luke Delahey (Darley), Baden Remmos and Pat Dowling (St. Mary’s), Joel Bennett (Geelong West Giants), Luke Davis (South Barwon), Jonathan Arcoraci (North Shore) and Lockey McCartney (Newtown) comprise the rest of the development squad.
The development squad is a valuable pathway for young players highlighted by Leigh Spiteri, Matt Inglis, Jye Cross, Marcus Thompson and Josh Guthrie being elevated to the senior VFL list for season 2017.
The Cats have a much younger list than in previous seasons as the club look to provide young players with the opportunity to pursue AFL careers.
VFL coach Shane O’Bree believes that it is important to give those younger players opportunities whilst also re-signing the players who have proved themselves in the Geelong system.
“We’ve got a really young list this year but we’ve got a lot of older guys that complement the youth,” O’Bree said.
“It’s exciting, those 19-20 year olds that we have got have a lot of talent but things to learn too.
“We want to reward guys that put in the work and are good for our culture but at the same time, after last year, we are trying to give guys the opportunity to be drafted.”
With the number of VFL players being drafted at an all-time high, increased competition for spots means numerous quality players miss out on selection.
“At some stage guys on our VFL list fall out of that category (to be drafted) and then it depends on what they give to the group,” O’Bree said.
“Unfortunately, a couple of guys we had to let go with younger players taking their spot that play similar roles.”
Whilst the squad consists of various new faces, numerous players have been retained with familiar faces James Tsitas, Alex Hickey, Simon Close and Sam Dobson all returning.
Reigning VFL best and fairest winner Tom Atkins will also represent the Cats once again, as will Campbell Floyd, Sam McLachlan, Jake Edwards, Harry Kol and Will Sexton.
The VFL Cats kick off their 2017 campaign on Sunday, April 16 at Torquay where they will face Werribee.
2017 Geelong VFL List:
- Daniel Capiron – St Joseph’s (Interchange Club)
- James Tsistas – Grovedale
- Alex Hickey – St Joseph’s
- Jai Thompson – Leopold
- Rob Condy – Newtown
- Simon Close – Leopold
- Ben Reid – Grovedale
- Josh Guthrie – Sunbury
- Ben Moloney – St. Joseph’s
- Luke Webb – St. Joseph’s
- Jack Blood – St. Mary’s
- Marcus Thompson – Leopold
- Campbell Floyd – Colac
- Sam Dobson – St Mary’s
- Tom Atkins – St Joseph’s
- Sam McLachlan – Colac
- Jake Edwards – Darley
- Jye Cross – Leopold
- Harry Kol – St Mary’s
- Will Sexton – South Barwon
- Matt Inglis – Darley
- Leigh Spiteri – Darley
- James Gow – Koroit
2017 Geelong VFL Development Squad:
Joel Bennett – Geelong West Giants
Luke Davis – South Barwon
Luke Delahey – Darley
Mitch Patten – Leopold
Lockey McCartney – Newtown
Baden Remmos – St. Mary’s
Pat Dowling – St. Mary’s
Callum Mitchell – St. Joseph’s
Jonathan Arcoraci – North Shore
Jack Berry – Leopold
