He plays with the composure that belies his career match tally of just 29 games, but Connor O’Sullivan believes it’s those around him that are making the 20-year-old look so comfortable in the Geelong defensive unit.
After an impressive 2025 season, in which he played 25 of a possible 26 games to finish third in the AFL’s Rising Star award, the Cats’ first pick in the 2023 National Draft hasn’t skipped a beat to start the new campaign.
He racked up an equal-career high 23 disposals in the narrow win over Adelaide last Thursday, while also taking nine marks in less-than-ideal conditions for tall defenders.
“It’s probably also a reflection of the talent that… I’m lucky enough to have alongside me, especially in the defence,” O’Sullivan said.
“We’ve got experience in every position, and for me, being able to lean on those sorts of guys, it gives me a lot of confidence when I go out there that I can just play to my strengths and know that they’ll be playing to theirs.”
O’Sullivan has added obvious size to his frame over the summer while also keeping his running ability.
Ball use was also a key focus for the Albury product in his third pre-season.
“I want to be a player that can get involved in attack as well, not just be on the defensive side of the game,” O’Sullivan said.
“‘Bucks’ (Nathan Buckley), James Kelly has been really good for me in those areas.
“Really working with me on getting better in, say, kicking, for example, and how I use my kicking ability.”
O’Sullivan’s first AFL appearance on the MCG was last year’s Easter Monday clash, and he is looking forward to the atmosphere at the home of football as the Cats return to the venue for the first time since last year’s grand final.
“It’s a massive opportunity to get that experience that… whether you make finals or not that year, it’s a great opportunity to play in front of a huge atmosphere and a great crowd,” he said.
“I think it’s just another step up from what we play every week.
“And it’s a super opportunity to play in front of, especially, a massive crowd of Geelong supporters.”
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