Despite a ten goal thumping at the hands of the Gold Coast Suns in their JLT Community Series clash, Geelong has found some readymade younger talent who are ready to make a huge impact, says David King.
A youthful Cats outfit minus stars Patrick Dangerfield, Gary Ablett and captain Joel Selwood managed just three goals in steamy conditions in Townsville, however the SEN footy analyst believes Geelong fans should be excited by some of their efforts.
“I actually think Geelong were the big winners of the weekend. They've been beaten by ten goals…but they've found two or three players that will come straight into that team for round one." King said on SEN Mornings.
“They’ve been craving their youth to come through, the under 25’s have been the concern at the Cats for the last 12-18 months.
“Tim Kelly what a steal he’s been, pick 24 in the draft last year, runner up in the Sandover (Medal), 13 touches, all class.
“Charlie Constable he had 22 touches, he had a couple of clearances and he’s a light framed young kid, and he’s a second round selection (pick 36 from the Sandringham Dragons), but he is going to be an absolute ripper for the Cats.
“If you‘re just looking for a couple of players- the cats will be smiling.”
With Steven Motlop departing for Port Adelaide, King feels former South Fremantle star Kelly has the ability to fill his role, and become an even bigger clearance threat, which in turn will allow Chris Scott to throw Ablett and Dangerfield into attack.
“He started the day with a centre bounce clearance and then absolutely laced out Tommy Hawkins who couldn’t hold onto it, but he showed enough in three quarters yesterday to say he’s going to replace Steven Motlop,” he said.
“(He will) probably be more of a clearance player than Steven was, which will dramatically help the ability to use Ablett and Dangerfield at full forward.”
Geelong finishes its pre-season campaign against Essendon in Colac on Sunday.