‘WE WANT A HOME FINAL’
Geelong chief Brian Cook says the Cats will push the AFL to play at GMHBA Stadium if theyy earn the right for a home final.
SMALL forward Quinton Narkle says a sense of loyalty and a love of Geelong meant there was never any temptation to return home to Western Australia at the end of this year.
The 20-year-old was one of three players to put pen to paper on new deals at the Cattery yesterday, along with defender Jack Henry and the injured Esava Ratugolea.
Narkle and Henry have signed until the end of 2020, while Ratugolea has signed on until 2021.
Despite interest from other clubs, Narkle, who made his debut in Round 15 after recovering from a knee reconstruction last year, said he was committed to staying at Geelong with the emerging talent coming through the ranks.
“I had no interest in going home, I love it down at the Cattery and hopefully I’m here for a long time,” Narkle said.
“Going through rehab was a pretty dark place at times and Geelong really showed what they’re about and really helped me out throughout that time, which swayed me a bit to stay.
“My first few games have been pretty solid but all of the games I’ve played in have been really tight.
“We had a big draft in 2016 so we’ve all grown pretty tight and we’re all happy that we’ve ticked that off at the same time. I live with Esava and Brandan (Parfitt) so I think we’re all just pretty comfortable with each other, and to spend the next few years with each other, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Narkle has impressed since getting his shot at AFL level, but his four games have produced an average margin of less than eight points, with two matched decided by shots at goal after the siren.
He said the mood at GMHBA Stadium was one of elation after Zach Tuohy’s winning kick, but said the focus was now on securing another four points against Brisbane on Saturday.
“It’s ecstatic, everyone is just up and about and you notice the difference between when we lose and when we win and even the coaches are at a different level of excitement around the club,” he said.
“But they (the Lions) have been pretty good and I’m obviously new to the team but every team brings something different whether they are at the top or bottom of the ladder. They have all got their strengths and weaknesses so I’m excited to see what Brisbane can bring.”