STEVEN Motlop has taken plenty of confidence out of his 22-disposal performance in Geelong's NAB Challenge opener against Gold Coast.

This time last year Motlop was still in the rehab group after needing off-season knee surgery, but he showed against the Suns that he's fit and firing this time around.

In the absence of Joel Selwood and Steve Johnson, he revelled in the opportunity to spend most of the match in the midfield.

"We've got good midfield depth," Motlop told CatsTV after the eight-point loss. "There were a few guys out … it gives me the chance to go in there and get around the footy.

"There was some experience around me and I'm learning from them."

Motlop's performance included two great passes that set up goals for Darcy Lang and a 52m supergoal of his own just before the final siren.

He also enjoyed playing alongside the Cats' next generation of midfielders.

"Nakia [Cockatoo] was really impressive and Corey Gregson – he's lighting quick. Darcy Lang was very good as well," Motlop said.

"It was very tough conditions, and Gold Coast are a good young side and they really had some run in them.

"But we got to see some new faces and really see how they fit into our side, and it was a pretty good day."

Dean Gore was among the Geelong draftees who had his first taste of top-level footy against the Suns.

Gore, who has been one of the outstanding performers on the track over the summer, finished the game with six disposals.

"It was very exciting to be out there," he said. "It was definitely another level up from training, so it was a really good experience."