Geelong assistant coach Steven King has labelled Connor O’Sullivan “a freak talent” ahead of his AFL debut on Sunday.
O’Sullivan, the Cats’ first pick (no.11 overall) in the 2023 National Draft, has been named to take on the Roos on Sunday.
“Freak talent; one of our best runners at the club, (and) he’s 198cms,” King told K rock’s Tom, Lingy & Loggy.
“He’ll play as the second or third tall defender down back.
“We’ve been really impressed with him. Clearly, key position players take a little bit longer to come along.
“He’s got amazing endurance. He’s got a real thirst and appetite to work hard.
“He’ll slip in seamlessly, and it’s great to get him a game early in the season.”
O’Sullivan will be the second debutant for Geelong this season, following Shaun Mannagh in the opening-round win over St Kilda.
However, captain Patrick Dangerfield will miss a third game after suffering a hamstring injury late in the Round 2 win over Adelaide.
King says the recently-turned 34-year-old was close to making his return.
“He probably could have; he trained really well yesterday,” King said.
“We just sort of thought, given his age and a bit of history, we just made the conservative decision to give him one more week.
“I think that’s the really smart decision.
“We’ve been really happy with some of the boys that have come in and got some midfield exposure.
“And it just gives Paddy one more week to get it right with the season ahead.”
Geelong will finalise its 23 for the meeting with the Roos later today, with the sub to be confirmed an hour from the first bounce.
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