Mature age rookie right fit for Cats

GEELONG’S latest mature age rookie is a tackling machine who applies the manic defensive pressure demanded of the modern game.

The Cats believe Tom Atkins can play a meaningful role as a defensive small forward at AFL level after selecting the St Joseph’s ballwinner with their only live pick in last night’s rookie draft.

Having won the Cats’ VFL best-and-fairest in 2016 and this year as a midfielder, Atkins has come a long way since only being on the club’s VFL development list in 2014.

The 23-year-old, who captained the VFL team this year, has also improved his disposal efficiency in recent years, allowing him to strike the balance required to swing between inside and outside roles.

“He has kept improving and he was a good player two years ago but now we think he has been an outstanding VFL player and he has developed an aspect of his game where he can play in the forward line really effectively as well as putting that forward line pressure on,” Geelong list manager Stephen Wells said.

In a VFL match late last year, Atkins laid an equalVFL record of 23 tackles in a game against Collingwood.

He was also able to find the footy 25 times and kick two goals in the same game.

Atkins’s selection confirms the direction Geelong is heading with its forward line, just weeks after delisting reliable goalkicker Daniel Menzel for his lack of forward pressure.