28. Cory Gregson
AFL Games: 9
Average disposals: 12 per game
Average marks: 2.6 per game
Goals: 4
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Considered one of the best athletes on the list, Gregson had been touted for more midfield time in his second year at Geelong. He started the season as a regular but competition at the selection table and a stress fracture in his foot saw the 20-year-old play just the nine games – compared with 20 the year prior. Progressing well on the road to recovery and will add some zip to the senior side when fit.
29. Cameron Guthrie
AFL Games: 23
Average disposals: 22.9 per game
Average marks: 3.3 per game
Goals: 12
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2016 could well be considered a breakout season for Guthrie – or the year everyone else stood up and took notice at the very least. Finishing fourth in the Carji Greeves count, his versatility was a blessing for the side but perhaps a curse for the man himself; being forced into defence to utilise his speed whilst his best football was clearly played in the middle of the ground. It was there Guthrie could be a genuine point of difference, as demonstrated by his 36 disposal-best on ground performance against Adelaide in round eight.
30. Nathan Vardy
AFL Games: 1
VFL Games: 14
Average disposals: 6 per game
Average marks: 2 per game
Goals: 1
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Having recovered from a foot sprain in a VFL practice match, Vardy was called into the senior side in round six against the Gold Coast Suns. He was serviceable in the ruck and up forward, collecting 10 hit outs and a goal. The 25-year-old put together 14 games at VFL level in 2016 but was sidelined once more with an ankle sprain in July.
31. Jordan Cunico
AFL Games: 0
VFL Games: 4
Average disposals: N/A
Average marks: N/A
Goals: N/A
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Only played the four VFL games as he battled issues in both knees for much of the summer and resulting season. Noted for his leg speed and potential as a dashing half back flank, a big pre-season looms with a clean bill of health.
32. Steven Motlop
AFL Games: 24
Average disposals: 19.5 per game
Average marks: 3.9 per game
Goals: 38
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Started the year in sensational fashion and was every bit the match winner. Having finished runner-up in 2015’s best and fairest playing predominantly as a midfielder, Motlop found himself deployed more forward in 2016 and whilst he hit the scoreboard regularly, the 25-year-old struggled to find consistency past the half way mark of the season.
33. George Horlin-Smith
AFL Games: 1
VFL Games: 12
Average disposals: 9 per game
Average marks: 1 per game
Goals: 0
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With added midfield depth, Horlin-Smith found himself fighting tooth and nail to see senior action in 2016. Did play in a loss to Collingwood in round nine but worked incredibly hard in the VFL across 12 games; remarkably finishing second in the JJ Liston Trophy despite missing considerable time with a knee injury. His leadership and character were first class all season long and will be hungry in 2017.
34. James Parsons
AFL Games: 0
VFL Games: 17
Average disposals: N/A
Average marks: N/A
Goals: N/A
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No doubt a surprise packet to anyone not named Stephen Wells, Parsons exceeded expectations by a wide margin in 2016. Proved himself to be one of the best young Cats at VFL level across 17 games and found a lot of the football. One to watch in 2017 and beyond.
