Dwayne Russell is prediciting several young players to stand up for Geelong ahead of 2024 after watching the early stages of a scratch match on Friday morning.
The Cats are gearing up for practice games against Carlton (February 22) and Essendon (March 1), hoping to bounce back to form after a dour premiership defence.
Early signs from Geelong’s pre-season are strong, with Chris Scott’s list in a much healthier position than this time last year.
Gary Rohan was the only player not on the track on Friday.
Speaking on SEN, Russell named the inexperienced players who caught his eye.
“Here’s what I did get today from watching the Cats, I was looking for a few of the younger players, new players to see what they look like so when I’m calling them I know what they look like,” he began.
“Phoenix Foster (Pick 52 2022 National Draft), who’s been on the list for a year, he’s bulked up and looked like he could be added to the lineup at some stage this year.
“Toby Conway (one career game) is huge, he’s 208cms, he is a big unit and his tackle follow-up work as a ruckman was pretty good to watch today and the early stages.
“Shaun Mannagh (Pick 36 2023 National Draft) on looks, you probably wouldn’t recruit him but from what I’m told he just keeps on getting the ball. He’s no.7, so it’s a different look for that number.
“Jhye Clark (one career game), he’s only little but he’s like a new recruit this year. Hopefully he gets plenty of games.
“Connor O’Sullivan (Pick 11 2023 National Draft) I was very impressed with.
“Shannon Neale (five career games) looks fit as well, he had an ankle injury this time last year. Hopefully he’s going to have a big impact.”
Russell also weighed in on how he sees Geelong’s midfield starting out in 2024. Decimated with injury last season, Scott now has a full complement of Patrick Dangerfield, Cameron Guthrie, Mark Blicavs, Tom Atkins, Tanner Bruhn, Max Holmes, Brandan Parfitt, Clark and a number of 2023 draftees vying for spots on ball.
Conway will also challenge Rhys Stanley for the no.1 ruck position after overcoming injuries towards the backend of 2023, although Russell sees Stanley holding his spot early in the season.
“I think they’ll still start Stanley in the ruck the way I see it, and I think Holmes is more likely to play on a wing,” he added.