Clohesy set to pick brain of fellow tough nut Atkins
GEELONG draftee Ted Clohesy says he will relish the opportunity to learn from new teammate Tom Atkins during his first AFL pre-season at the Cattery.
Clohesy’s game is similar to that of fellow St Joseph’s product Atkins, both tough, inside players who love a contest.
The 18-year-old met the premiership star on Wednesday in his first day at the club as he joined Geelong as a category B rookie alongside Jhye Clark, Osca Riccardi, Oscar Murdoch and Phoenix Foster.
“I met Tom Atkins yesterday (Wednesday) and he’s someone I’ve really looked up to, from the same local club, Joeys,” Clohesy said.
“I think what he’s been able to do, where he’s taken his career, I’m really looking forward to picking his brain apart and learning. But all of them, Tom Stewart, (Patrick) Dangerfield, (Jeremy) Cameron, everyone there, I just cannot wait, all the coaches as well.”
Clohesy said he had kept a close eye on Atkins throughout the 2022 season as the hard nut became a vital member of Geelong’s midfield.
It’s a role in which Clohesy excelled with the Geelong Falcons and Vic Country.
“This year especially, I watched him pretty closely and tried to take some things off his game,” he said. “I’m really excited to learn from him; I love the way he plays and it’s probably something I want to try and play like, that same style, so really looking forward to it.”
Having been selected as a category B rookie from Geelong’s Academy, Clohesy said he took some inspiration from Atkins’ rise through the ranks.
Atkins, alongside four-time All-Australian defender Tom Stewart, joined Geelong’s AFL list from its VFL program after each excelled at local level.
“It just shows you that it doesn’t matter how you get into the system or anything if you’re willing to work hard,” Clohesy said. “Some of the stories, obviously Tom Atkins, Tom Stewart, it just shows you you’ve got to earn your spot, so I’m pretty excited to have the opportunity to do that.”