Jenkins wary on unbeaten VFL Cats

THE undefeated Cats will get a taste of where they sit in the revamped VFL on Saturday against Casey, according to forward Josh Jenkins.

In its first three outings, Geelong thumped North Melbourne, squeezed past Sydney and comfortably dealt with the Northern Bullants.

Geelong appears to be in a sweet spot with its VFL side, boasting quality AFL-listed regulars (Jenkins, Charlie Constable, Darcy Fort), shrewd former AFL players (Aaron Black, Darcy Lang, Jackson Thurlow) and hungry local talent (Jackson McLachlan, Jordan Johnston).

Jenkins said he was positive about where the team sat in the pecking order three weeks in, but much would depend on the health of the AFL side.

“You are only as good as probably your injury list because whenever you get an injury at AFL level you are losing your two or three best players at VFL level,” he said.

“Darcy Fort is probably one of the dominant rucks in the VFL competition and Charlie Constable is going to do what he does and get 25-30 touches every week.

“If we can stay healthy at the AFL level we are going to give teams plenty to think about.

“I would say next week against Casey will be a truer reflection of where we sit.”

Jenkins has liked what he has seen from forwards McLachlan and Johnston, who he said had “AFL traits” and would “both be worthy of teams having a look at them in the mid-season or rookie draft”.

He has also spent time working with AFL-listed Cats Sam De Koning and Ben Jarvis and even as Jenkins slotted 7.5 on Thursday night, he was conscious of involving the youngsters.

“I enjoy helping guys pick up one or two things in their game and seeing that translate so I get a bit of enjoyment out of that as well,” Jenkins said.

While still keen to add to his tally of two AFL games for Geelong, Jenkins said he was appreciating playing without the spotlight at VFL level.

With newborn twins Piper and Willa at home, preparation isn’t what it used to be for the big man, who has bagged 13 goals in three VFL games this year.

“For me the shackles and the pressure are off a bit, I have really enjoyed that facet of VFL footy,” he said.

“You can lead a very normal life and still be able to perform. I am just enjoying that facet of the game and clearly its working for me at the moment.”