Assistant Coach Matthew Knights has been impressed by the performances of Geelong trio Charlie Constable, James Parsons and Zach Guthrie this pre-season.
He believes each has demonstrated positive signs and are ready to take the next step with their football this year.
“Charlie Constable is one who had a taste of AFL last year and is demonstrating with his midfield work that he is really keen to try to earn a spot and break into that midfield group, but James Parsons and Zach Guthrie both fit into that category too,” Knights said speaking to the Geelong Advertiser.
“They have done a lot of midfield work this pre-season so far and I think their first couple of weeks post-Christmas have been outstanding. The way they are attacking the ball but also picking up the ball and running with it and breaking lines has been great, so those guys are really demonstrating some good training habits and are keen to nail a spot in that 22.
Injuries to a number of key cats will present an opportunity for some of the less experienced players to face the Suns and Bombers during the Marsh Community Cup Series.
“Mitch and Joel played virtually 100 per cent of the time in the midfield last season and if you add Tim Kelly to that, that’s three players who won’t be there in the early part of the year (for the pre-season matches).
“Young players are smart and they can see there will be opportunities, and even though they are lead up games they are vitally important because coaches and their peers are looking at what they can do.
“So, it would be great to reward these guys with some opportunities and for them to reward themselves by playing some solid footy, which will give them a good chance of being selected for round one.”
Geelong will launch their Marsh Community Cup Series against the Suns at Metricon Stadium on Saturday 22 February.
