Time for younger Cats to deliver

GEELONG skipper Joel Selwood has put the heat on his young teammates to take the next step this pre-season.

With Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan retired, two places inside the Cats’ best 22 have opened up for the taking.

Young key position players Ryan Gardner and Timm House, both yet to make their AFL debuts, had outstanding seasons in the VFL this year and would be salivating at the chance to break into the seniors. But Selwood said both had to prove themselves this summer.

“They’ll obviously have to work for their position through the pre-season, but that’s what happens with Andrew and Tom both leaving the footy club, various positions open for someone to take,” he said.

“We look forward to guys striving to take those positions out.”

And it is not only in defence where positions are up for grabs. Selwood said all the young Cats should be striving to play AFL next season.

“What we do need to do, we need them all to take the next step up because that’s what will help us get to the next level,” he said.