With the draft and trade period over for another year, geelongcats.com.au has listed all the Cats’ selections and the final thoughts from list and recruiting manager Steven Wells.

Cooper Stephens, 188cm

Pick 16, midfielder, Geelong Falcons

“Cooper is very much a contested ball player. He’s a midfielder from the Geelong Falcons, born in Colac, or from Colac originally.

“Only played three games this year, with a broken leg at the start of the year, but fortunately as far as breaks go it wasn’t too bad and by the time the Combine came around, he was performing exceptionally well.

“He’s 188cm tall and it’s great to be able to pick a local fella who can play as strong, running midfielder.”

 
 
 
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We can confirm Cooper has put a shirt on... and it's a Cats polo #StandProud #WeAreGeelong

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Sam De Koning, 200cm

Pick 19, key defender, Dandenong Stingrays

“I can understand why you’d ask that question (is he a long term replacement for Harry Taylor) given that Sam was an All-Australian full-back but Harry’s been a champion of our club, big shoes to fill, we’re just hoping that Sam can develop over the next few years.

“His opportunities aren’t going to be restricted to being a tall defender though, he’s done well as a forward and also as a potential ruckman.

“As a big young man, he’s got lots of opportunity to develop all over the ground.”

Francis Evans, 182 cm,

Pick 41, Calder Cannons/VAFA

“I went to a game when Francis was playing senior football at (VAFA club) North Old Boys during the year. Soon after that he was recruited into the Calder Cannons as part of their program and he kicked five goals in one and half games before he got injured.

“Francis is a natural goal kicker, has the skills of the game, reads the play well {and] he’s got the athleticism and desire.

“We’ve interviewed Francis and we’re confident he deserved the opportunity to be on an AFL list.”

 
 
 
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Francis Evans is looking at home already in the blue and white ⚪️#StandProud #WeAreGeelong

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Cameron Taheny, 185cm

Pick 50, forward, Norwood

“Cameron’s been a terrific player for Norwood and South Australia for a couple of years and he’s certainly been on the radar.

“While he may not have had quite the year this year that he would have expected over the summer we know there’s enough talent there to warrant his place on an AFL list.

“He’s a forward, a goal kicker and a good size, so we were happy to give Cameron that chance.”

 
 
 
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Passion The moment Cam Taheny learned he was on his way to the Cattery #StandProud #WeAreGeelong

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Rookie Draft

Brad Close, 181cm

Pick 14, Rookie Draft, Glenelg Football Club

“Brad’s from the Glenelg Football Club and had some premiership success there.”

“He’s not a big player but he’s got great tenacity, he’s a good tackler and plays a bit above his size and a fantastic runner. We think he deserves his place on an AFL list.”

 

Oscar Brownless, 186cm

Pick 27, Rookie Draft, Geelong Football Club

“Oscar will get stuck right into training as of now.

“He did a great thing for the Geelong footy club by agreeing to come off the list and go into the rookie draft to free up a spot for the us to use in the national draft.  We should all be grateful to Oscar for doing that.

“Oscar’s training well, as are all the young blokes at the moment.”

Lachie Henderson, 196cm

Pick 35, Rookie Draft, Geelong Football Club

“Lachie was unlucky to be off our senior list being off contract at this last season.

“So, he had to nominate for the national draft and and be available for every team to pick.

“As it turned out he got through to us in the Rookie Draft. The reason we’ve drafted Lachie back is that he’s played really well for us over the last four years when he’s got his chances in the seniors.

“He’s been fantastic with the younger players in the VFL.  We’re very pleased, and the coaches are very pleased, to have Lachie back on our list.”