Trio shine as AFL hopefuls
SAM Dobson, James Tsitas and Tom Atkins headline a raft of Geelong VFL-listed players chasing AFL homes.
Dobson, 24, finished with 22 goals from 12 games in the VFL to go with a massive 32 majors from just seven GFL games with St Mary’s, and can further his case with the Saints in the GFL finals.
Midfielders Atkins, 21, and Tsitas, 22, look certain to poll well in Geelong’s best-andfairest on the back of another consistent season.
Atkins, a St Joseph’s product, won last year’s medal ahead of AFL draftee Tom Stewart and has been prolific in 10 games this season, but hamstring injuries left him out of the side in the middle part of the campaign.
Grovedale’s Tsitas was named in his side’s best an incredible 10 times from 15 matches before injuring the medial ligament in his knee.
Coach Shane O’Bree said both players had improved this season.
“Definitely bigger impacts on games,” O’Bree said. “Tsitas has played more as a midfielder and back, so that shows another string to his bow. And some of Tommy’s games, he’s been the difference. They’ve had two good years.”
O’Bree also said that Dobson was certain to have drawn attention from AFL scouts.
“His marking is his asset, he’s a goal kicker as well and he can run all day,” he said.
“He’s in that age bracket where he can easily slot into an AFL program — whether he gets that opportunity or not, who knows? But he’s had a good season at St Mary’s and with us.”
Despite none of the Cats players receiving state combine invites, O’Bree said his side boasted talent that could take the step to the next level.
“They’re terrific guys for our VFL culture and list,” he said. “It would be great for the program if we did get some players drafted in Dan Capiron, Ben Reid, Dobbo (Sam Dobson), tommy (Atkins), Tsitas and Jake Edwards — and I’ve probably left a few out there.
“Even Alex Hickey, to come back from a toe injury, his last two weeks have been really good. Sam McLachlan has improved his year as it’s gone on.
“None of our boys have been invited (to the combine) this year but that doesn’t mean much, I don’t think.
“It helps if you get it and get tested and get to talk to the recruiters, but hopefully those guys do get interviews anyway.”
GFL products Tom Stewart, Ryan Abbott and Timm House all found homes at Geelong after dominant VFL seasons last year, while Tom Ruggles followed the same path in 2015, continuing the VFL side’s history of unearthing and fostering AFL talent.