Cats vice-captain Tom Stewart has recognized his selections for the longer term leaders of Geelong, and believes the membership is in succesful fingers sooner or later.
The All Australian defender was elevated to a sole vice-captain function for 2023 after Patrick Dangerfield was elected to take over from former skipper Joel Selwood.
Speaking on SEN Breakfast, Stewart stated management qualities weren’t sparse in Geelong.
“We really rely on a massive group, it’s well documented we’ve got quite an older list and quite an experienced list so we rely on about a dozen blokes to get some information and just a real temperature check of the group,” he stated.
“I’ve got ‘Blitz’ (Mark Blicavs) and ‘Hawk’ (Tom Hawkins), Mitch Duncan, Cam Guthrie and Zach Tuohy, who I really rely on to help me out in my sort of role and I think that’s the massive strength of our group.
“We’re not going to rely just on Pat and myself to lead the charge and it’s something we’re really, really proud of down here.”
The Cats opted for a two-man management group for 2023, however should depend on outdoors management assist with Dangerfield set to overlook some video games with a hamstring damage sustained in opposition to Adelaide on Saturday.
Stewart stated he noticed loads of management potential in a few of the youthful Cats stars.
“There’s probably three or four I’m really strong with, he’s not playing at the moment but Jack Henry has really really grown in that space,” he stated on SEN Breakfast.
“He came in as a rookie and had a different sort of pathway, but the way he goes about his footy.
“He’s not the most loud bloke or the one that’s first to talk but when he does speak his words come with a lot of weight, he’s one I really respect.
“Max Holmes is really developing in that space, he’s a bit of a late comer to football, his form on the field is really starting to show the player he’s going to be.
“He’s standing up in big moments and really playing some really consistent football.
“A different one that’s a bit of a left-field option is Tom Atkins, he was a strong leader at local footy and then captained our VFL club for a number of years.
“He’s someone who knows exactly who he is and isn’t afraid to speak up and say the right things and I think that’s something that can’t be underrated.”
Dempsey “never going anywhere” after signing extension
Exciting younger Cat Ollie Dempsey says it’s a “no-brainer” to stay in Geelong after penning a brand new deal this week.
The 20-year-old ahead confirmed the two-year contract extension this week, remaining within the hoops till at the very least the top of the 2025 season.
Demspey, who got here because the substitute on Saturday in opposition to Adelaide, stated he was “never going anywhere”.
“It was a no-brainer to sign on again, I’m really happy at the club and I’m enjoying my football,” he stated.
“I can’t wait for the next couple of years and spending more time here, I’ve got great mates at the club and they’ve given me this opportunity here, so to get it out of the way early was great.
“It was very easy, as soon as they sent it I thought ‘yeah I’ll sign this’ but obviously you still have to go through it all.
“I was never going anywhere.”
Dempsey’s contract announcement got here alongside premiership Cat Brad Close, who additionally signed on till 2025.
The pair of Cats are just a few of a big contingent of former Rookie Draft gamers presently on the membership, with the group together with vice-captain Tom Stewart, laborious nut Tom Atkins, injured defender Jack Henry, All Australian Mark Blicavs, defender Zach Guthrie and small ahead Sam Simpson.
Dempsey stated the Cats’ savvy recruiting confirmed any draft choose had an equal probability to make a profession within the league.
“I’ve learned a lot from Brad, I’ve spent a lot of time with him because we play a similar position,” he stated.“I’m very happy for him to get another contract here, he’s been good to me.
“Once you get into the club everyone is the same, everyone gets the same sort of treatment from the club whether you’re a top pick or a rookie.
“Having that connection with some of the players has been nice to have, especially early in my career.”
Close set for tribunal listening to
Geelong has determined to problem the ban on Brad Close after he was handed a one-match suspension for tough conduct.
The not too long ago re-signed small ahead was cited for careless conduct, medium impression and excessive contact for a deal with on Crow skipper Jordan Dawson in the course of the Cats’ 29-point win at GMHBA Stadium.
Match Review Officer Michael Christian deemed the deal with deserved a one-match ban, however coach Chris Scott stated Close didn’t have a case to reply.
“I thought there was a really clear defence (for the Mitch Duncan bump on Robbie Fox), there’s no defence required for this one,” he stated after the sport.
“The defence would be really strong but I don’t think it’s required, in my opinion and that’s all it is, and it’s not a reflection on the decision itself, but I had a look at it, very comfortable with it.
“It’s a topical issue … I get it, but when a player is off balance and he slips and falls into the ground, gets up and is okay.
“We’ve got the benefit the umpire doesn’t have, we can watch it and take into account everything with time and replays and slow motions and everything like that.
“They’ve got to make a call in the instant, and they made a call, I wouldn’t have made that call but that’s why they’re better umpires than I am.”
Melbourne’s Jacob van Rooyan was additionally suspended for 2 weeks after he made head-high contact with Charlie Ballard whereas going again with the flight in a spoiling try in the course of the Demons’ conflict with the Suns and he will even combat his ban on the tribunal.
Originally revealed as Geelong Cats: Contract updates, tribunal news and captaincy selections
Source: www.news.com.au
