FEW FOR 22
GEELONG will take an open mind into the AFL draft, keen to ensure it lands the best player available with its first selection at pick 22 tonight.
While the Cats are in the market for a key defender, finding a key forward to provide support for Tom Hawkins inside-50 remains a priority.
Lead up forward Toby Wooller, grandson of 1963 premier- ship captain Fred Wooller, could be one player Geelong looks at, but it is understood Geelong Falcons product Tom McCartin, younger brother of St Kilda forward Paddy, will be a target.
But despite that pair undoubtedly suiting the needs of the Cats, list manager Stephen Wells said he would not be tied to a certain type of player, instead focusing on landing the best available talent.
“We think over the course of the five picks that we’ve got between the national draft and the rookie draft that we’ll get a nice mix of players,” Wells, left, said.
“Certainly with picks 22 and 24 we’ll just have to wait and see who comes through to us after the other selections because at the moment it’s very hard to predict.
“But we’ll be well prepared with whoever does come through to us. We’re open to bringing in good players that can play in any position on the ground, whether it be defenders, forwards or mids. “We’re open to all of that.” The Cats will have four live picks (22, 24, 35 and 58) in the draft, with rookie James Parsons having been promoted to the senior list.
McCartin will be one of many local players vying to be selected by AFL clubs tonight, with several Geelong Falcons in contention and a handful of VFL-listed players also a chance to be picked up.
Last year the Cats selected three players — Tom Stewart, Timm House and Ryan Abbott — from their VFL program, but Wells said it would be a case of wait and see as to whether Geelong would follow a similar path. “That will depend on who gets through at the time of our picks,” he said.
“We’re always very mindful of what our club stands for and who we represent but it will be dependent on who comes through to us.”