DEFENDER Mark O’Connor headlines a number of AFL-listed Geelong players who will take to the field for the first time in 2022 in Saturday’s VFL season opener against Essendon.
The Irishman, small forward Gryan Miers and ex-Hawthorn ruckman Jonathon Ceglar have all been named to take on the Bombers after injury-interrupted pre-seasons.
O’Connor has been battling knee tendinitis. Miers was struck down by an ankle injury, and Ceglar underwent minor knee surgery in January.
“It’s hard to differentiate because they are such unique cases … but Mark had a super pre-season,” AFL coach Chris Scott.
“The unfortunate part of his injury is that it came right around the time when we had some match practice against opposition.”
They are among 12 AFL-listed players to take on the Bombers.
AFL emergencies Francis Evans, Cooper Stephens and Quinton Narkle have been named on the bench.
Of the VFL-listed players, Ben Lloyd (Bell Park), Billy Crofts (Melton), Charlie Sprague (Barwon Heads/St Mary’s), Tom Panuccio (Euroa/Newtown & Chilwell), and Tom Feely (Leopold) will make their debuts at state league level.
Twitter: @tom_king79
VFL ROUND 1
GEELONG vs. ESSENDON
GMHBA Stadium
Saturday, March 26, 2:05pm
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