Geelong’s pool of young Cats understand the extent of the challenge that lies ahead for next year’s season after the loss of four notable veterans.

Geelong’s newly promoted Cat, George Burbury, admits it was four goodbyes that were hard to make, however, the emerging forward from Tasmania is confident the younger Cats have the faculties to step up.

Leading up to pre-season training Burbury has already set his number one goal for the season and that is to emulate the position taken by Geelong’s most popular and passionate past player, Paul Chapman.

"There is some big changes and we were all really close to those blokes. It will be weird playing against 'Chappy' and 'Podsy' and West and Joshy, but that's just footy," Burbury, 21, told Geelong Advertiser.

"I think our players can step up into those roles and I'm really hoping to seize Chappy's spot – that's a goal I've set for myself."

Having been a Geelong Cat for three years, Burbury cannot imagine himself playing anywhere else. He believes the club is entering into another exciting chapter and he wants to be there to help turn the pages.

"When I made the move I promised myself I'd do everything I could to be there for a fair while," Burbury said.

"I can see myself being there in the years going forward and I think it is a great time for the team.

"We've got a lot of good young players and as we saw this year the senior players can't play forever but while we've got [the senior players] there it is important we learn as much as we can off them.

"We've got to take that opportunity as they begin to retire and move on. It is important we step up and I can see myself hopefully stepping up and probably playing that forward pressure role."

Click here for Dale Amos' 2013 performance review on George Burbury.

According to Burbury, the legacy that has been left behind by the past players has meant the young Cats have been able to adopt the club's winning culture which will enable them to go forward.   

"The way the culture is and the way the club is run, it is just something we are taught how to be really competitive players and that winning is everything when it comes to footy," Burbury said.

"We are not out there to learn off other teams, we are out there to beat the other teams and be the best. That's our attitude and I can't see that changing this year."