38 Jackson Sheringham
Unfortunately for the Cats the young rookie spent most of the season on the injury list rather than perfecting his craft out on the field. The 25-year-old midfielder, who played five AFL games last year, was struck down with numerous issues that kept him away, including a hampered knee, shoulder and hamstring. However, he still managed to get up for eight games in the Cats VFL side, which included the VFL Grand Final against the Box Hill Hawks. Despite Sheringham’s troubled body he was still able to inject some brilliance into his game with an average of 10.25 efficient disposals, 2.5 marks and 3.3 tackles per game.

Amos' review:

Another player who had a lot of injuries. But he had a great finish to his year in the VFL. He played well in the VFL Grand Final, and we hope that after a big pre-season he can push hard for a regular place in our AFL team next year.

39 Shane Kersten
Kersten was so close to making his debut with the Geelong Cats during the 2013 season but again there wasn’t the room when Kersten was fit to play. When the 20-year-old wasn’t sidelined with injury he took to the ground with confidence, where he continued to excite the Cats with his creative work in front of goal. Overall, he played 14 VFL games with an average of 7.2 efficient disposals, 3.6 marks and 3.2 goals per game. In both round 15 and 19 he steamrolled the opposition, kicking a powerful bag of six goals.

Amos review:

He came close to making his AFL debut on a number of occasions, but his injuries meant he never played enough games in a row to force his way into the team. It felt like every time he was on the cusp of getting an AFL game, he seemed to get injured, which held him back. But he's a great talent and played at a really high level in the VFL. We're excited by what he's capable of doing in the future.

40 Jackson Thurlow
Thurlow’s debut with the Cats couldn’t have come quick enough for the first-year-player. In round 7 against Essendon the enthusiastic youngster took to the stage for the very first time and from there he went on to enjoy three more rounds with the big Cats. During his four AFL appearances the 18-year-old defender had an impressive average of 15 disposals and 3.8 marks per game and in round 9 he ventured forward to kick his first goal. For the rest of the season he made a valuable contribution to the Cats VFL side, where he averaged 11 efficient disposals, five marks and three tackles per game.  

Amos' review:

He played some pretty consistent VFL footy. Had some little periods on the sidelines after copping a fractured cheekbone and a couple of other injuries. He made his AFL debut against Essendon and got a lot of the footy. He's got the attributes to be able to play AFL footy, there's no doubt about that. He's a very strong mark overhead. He can jump at the ball and he can kick the ball exceptionally well. He was predominantly a defender this year, but he pushed up and played on the wing a little bit in the VFL and also spent some time across half-forward.