Fort’s chance all ‘Gold’

Cats to test ruck hope in simulation with Kangaroos

GEELONG ruckman Darcy Fort says the opportunity to test himself against North Melbourne star Todd Goldstein today will prove invaluable as he builds a case for a Round 1 debut.

The Cats will work alongside the Roos in an extended, private match simulation session at Kardinia Park, with the majority of Geelong’s list likely to be available before its two JLT Series matches inside six days early next month.

Fort has been one of the finds of the summer, putting his hand up for a crack at the No.1 ruck mantle ahead of fellow GFL product Ryan Abbott and established duo Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith.

He said pitting himself against players of Goldstein’s calibre this early in the year would hold him in good stead for what looms as a challenging opening to the AFL season.

“I have been pretty lucky with who I have been able to play against (in the VFL and SANFL), and as I have got older and stronger and fitter, I have done better, but this will be the next step again,” Fort said.

“To go up against someone who in his heyday was an AllAustralian form guy and is just such an athletic beast who covers the ground really well, and to get the chance to see how he does it and pick up a few things heading into the season, will be really good.”

He has had no shortage of opportunities to learn from one of the best rucks in recent history, with triple-flag hero Brad Ottens a regular at preseason training.

The No.65 draft pick said Ottens had helped him see there was far more to his craft than simply winning hitouts at stoppages.

“It has been really good and, obviously, he has a wealth of knowledge about the ruck and even going forward and taking a mark and kicking goals,” Fort said.

“So it has been really good to get with him and the main thing we have been working on is trying new things.

“I have my strengths and a certain way I want to go about it, but it is about not being afraid to throw something new at another ruckman and seeing what works.”

It is understood Fort is considered by those at Geelong to be a genuine contender to make his debut early, but he said he would not be putting any pressure on himself.

“It would be great to get a run there, but obviously I don’t pick the team and there are some other great ruckmen on the list,” he said.

“All I am trying to do is put my hand up and see what happens, but it would be great to get a run against those guys.”