Youngster Mitch Knevitt has become the latest player to extoll the virtues of Geelong’s premature end to the 2023 season.
The third-year midfielder took the opportunity to hit the gym hard, adding further size to his 193cm frame.
Listed at 85kg heading into the 2023 season, Knevitt is now tipping the scales at 90 kg.
“That was my main focus over the break before we came back,” the Grovedale product said.
“After footy finished, that two months, my main goal was to put on a bit of weight, which I did. I put on a couple of kilograms, and I’ve held it.
“With the training loads – lots of running – it can be hard to hold your weight, but now I’m just maintaining it.
“And (I’m) getting stronger in the gym. I’m progressively putting on a few (kgs) each year.”
Knevitt has used that size to his advantage during match simulation.
The 21-year-old has spent extended periods playing on a wing, where he’s been able to develop while playing on Mark Blicavs.
“He’s a tough opponent to play on, (and) I learn a lot off him,” Kenevitt said.
‘We’ve had a big pre-season, so it’s been full-on. We’ve done everything we wanted to, I think.
“I have, with my craft and stuff, which has been good.”
However, Knevitt has played down suggestions he’s the man to replace the retired Isaac Smith.
“I wouldn’t really say there’s a spot to be filled,” he said.
“There’s a lot of new players, players who will probably move around a bit. But there’s still lots of footy to be played in the upcoming weeks.
“I’m trying to go as well as I can on the wing. Wherever it might be, I don’t really mind.”
Veteran teammate Mitch Duncan has liked what he’s seen from Knevitt.
“He’s developing as a big, running, rangy midfielder,” Duncan said. “He’s certainly got his strengths when it comes to covering the ground, and his marking (is an) asset.
“Potentially, he could even go third ruck if he wanted to go into that space.
“There is still parts of his game he’s working on as well. There’s definitely upside for him.”
Meanwhile, tickets for Geelong’s opening-round clash with St Kilda have gone on sale today.
The meeting with the Saints will mark the Joel Selwood Stand’s official opening at the ground’s northern end, bringing the capacity to 40,000.
Tickets can be purchased via Ticketmaster.
K rock Football is broadcasting Thursday’s practice match against Carlton via krockfootball.live from 11:30am.
