Geelong draftee Harley Barker says he won’t rush his return from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament despite having access to round-the-clock rehabilitation.
The Cats used their first pick in last week’s National Draft (24th overall) on the under-18 All-Australian from South Australian club Sturt, having seen enough before suffering the injury that will wipe out a large chunk of his 2026 season.
“I don’t really mind if I don’t have to play at all next year; it’s just taking my time,” he said.
“If I have to miss out next year, I can come back the year later, and keep playing from then, and hopefully have a long career.”
Barker has been allocated the No.26 guernsey, last worn by Geelong’s games record-holder Tom Hawkins.
“When I heard his name and the number I was getting, I was pretty happy with it,” he said.
“Knowing the history that it’s had, I can’t wait to drive my own future and career in this number, and hopefully make it a good one.”
Hunter Holmes chose the No.22 vacated by Mitch Duncan’s retirement following 305 games in the Hoops.
The brother of two-time Geelong best-and-fairest Max, the younger Holmes, who the Cats selected with pick 33 in the National Draft, is taking the comparisons with his sibling in his stride.
“I think he’s a good person to be compared to, so I’ll take it,” he said.
“But, I’m looking forward to making my own name out there as well.”
Holmes says the settling-in period has been made easier by knowing some of the current Geelong list.
“I was lucky enough to know a couple of the young boys that are close with Max and (have) done some training with them in the past and had some chats with them,” he said.
“It makes that transition a little bit easier. But, yeah, still great to meet all the other boys as well.”
Local product Jesse Mellor was the last addition to the Geelong list, joining as a Category B rookie as a Next Generation Academy selection.
Initially disappointed not to hear his name called during the National Draft, that was quickly put to one side when the Cats called on Thursday night to say he would have a spot at GMHBA Stadium.
“I was pumped, and they all (recruiting staff) came over,” Mellor, who was born in Thailand, said.
“My mates were a couple of streets over because I told them, “I reckon I’m unlikely for the National (Draft)”.
“I called up ‘Murph’ (Geelong Head of List and Recruiting Strategy), and I said, “I know it hasn’t been announced, but can the boys come over celebrate?”.
“The Cats’ recruiters were over, and all the boys came flaring through because they were pretty up and about.”
After finishing Year 12 last year, Mellor spent this year working in education support at local primary school St Patrick’s, which afforded him plenty of flexibility to develop his football while playing with the Geelong Falcons.
“They were such a big help,” he said.
“I was (working) in the year five team, and (along with) the principal, they were so supportive.
“I had a fair few days off with footy and stuff like that. I’d have a day off on Thursday to do my vision and recovery.
“It was great.”
Rookie draft selection Nick Driscoll missed today’s training session due to illness.
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