Cats chemistry growing ever stronger
GEELONG small forward Brad Close says the Cats’ forward line connection is “growing and growing” with another pre-season under their belts together.
While Tom Hawkins and Gryan Miers have been staples of the forward group since 2019, Close has only cemented his place at the sharp end of the field during the past two AFL seasons.
It is Jeremy Cameron’s third preseason with the Cats, while AllAustralian Tyson Stengle is in the midst of his second year with the reigning premiers.
Close said an already strong chemistry within the group continued to grow stronger with every training session together.
“Even last year our chemistry was really good in our forward line, we’re a good sort of close bunch,” he said.
“Even without ‘Hawk’ (Hawkins), who’s actually not there on the field, he’s still well involved at training, so I’m sure he’ll slot straight back in nicely.
“With Tyson and Jeremy and Gryan, and a few others, the connection just seems to be growing and growing.”
Close enjoyed his best season in the hoops in 2022, playing 25 games and booting 26 goals during the successful campaign.
He said he had continued to strive to develop his game and take it to the next level ahead of the 2023 campaign.
“I guess last year was more so about locking down a spot and playing my role in the side,” he said.
“I sort of know my role now and try and take that game to another level and try to impact in other ways.
“Obviously hitting the scoreboard would be nice ... being a bit better at finishing around goals and a bit cleaner.
“Just keep working on what I do best, I guess.”
An in-form forward mix will be required come March 17, with a blockbuster round 1 clash against Collingwood scheduled as the first test that Geelong will face.