VERSATILITY PAYS FOR ROOKIE

ROOKIE Brad Close says versatility is his best asset as he looks to lock down a position at Geelong in 2020.

The mature-aged South Australian, who was the only fresh face taken by Geelong in this year’s rookie draft, has forged a reputation in the SANFL as a small forward who can also play further up the ground.

And while the forward line is where he is likely to start his AFL journey, the 21-year-old said he was happy to play any role required next season. “I like to think I can play in a fair few positions, which I have done at Glenelg in the last few years,” Close said.

“So I’m someone that’s a team player, can play a role when asked. I’m not sure what role I have ahead, but whatever I’m given I will have a crack at it.”

Close, who started his football career in Mt Gambier, sat on the couch frantically refreshing his live rookie draft feed on Friday, eager to find out if he had found an AFL home.

“I was quite shocked when the selection came through,” he said.

“I had a fair bit to do with the Cats over the last couple of months — a few meetings and stuff like that. They kept in contact, so I knew it was a possibility and it was a bit of a relief for it to finally happen.”

Close said he believed playing plenty of senior football throughout his career would help him adapt quickly to AFL.

“I feel like that’s something I’ve been comfortable with the last few years — even growing up as a 15, 16-year-old playing senior football back in the country,” he said.