“You have to do the work”: Hocking’s message for Clark and Cats youngsters
New Geelong chief executive Steve Hocking has addressed the perception that the Cats are hesitant to give young players opportunities.
Chris Scott last season fielded four of the nine oldest teams to have ever been selected, while the other five were Cats teams that took the field in 2020.
Geelong have since parted ways with young midfielder Jordan Clark and promising key position player Nathan Kreuger, and signed 30-year-old ruckman Jonathon Ceglar.
“I’m huge on young talent,” Hocking told Sportsday on Monday night.
“It doesn’t matter whether it’s on-field or off-field in commercial roles, financial roles, community roles… you want to unearth young talent.
“I’ve enjoyed the last part of my administration career being able to do that, because I was given an opportunity when I was younger, both on-field and off-field.”
Hocking cited premiers Melbourne as an example of a team that can integrate talent without compromising on winning or selection integrity.
Young Dees ruckman Luke Jackson, defender Trent Rivers and forward Kysaiah Pickett became essential to Simon Goodwin’s set-up in just their second season on the list.
Jake Bowey debuted in the final month of the season and went on to play in a premiership in just his seventh game.
“I look at Melbourne, and someone like Nathan Jones or Jake Melksham,” Hocking continued.
“They were pushed out of the team because young players were given an opportunity and they performed at the level they’re capable of.”
A former first-round pick, Clark was selected for just 11 games in 2021, including three appearances as an unused medical substitute.
He was traded to Fremantle for an early second-round pick and a swap of late selections, after protracted negotiations.
“For our younger players, you have to do the work,” he added.
“If you do get an opportunity, you need to grab it with both hands and push past some of those experienced players.
“I think Melbourne have proven that, and are a great example of that.
“That’s the comment I would make around Jordan Clark.”