Geelong defender Connor O’Sullivan says he’s “super pumped” ahead of his first AFL final, with the Cats set to face Brisbane in a blockbuster clash at the MCG next Sunday.
The 20-year-old, who played every home-and-away match bar one, admitted the opportunity had been on his mind since childhood.
“Obviously, you dream of it as a kid, and to get the opportunity at the MCG to be able to play against a club we’ve had some big games against recently, it’s a massive prospect,” O’Sullivan said.
“I’m super pumped.”
O’Sullivan reflected on his rapid rise from the VFL to September’s biggest stage, recalling last year’s finals campaign where he featured alongside Geelong great Tom Hawkins.
“I was pretty lucky last year to get a taste of finals footy in the VFL,” he said.
“You watch the AFL boys go through it, and it makes you want it even more.
“To hopefully be part of it now is amazing.
Geelong will take on a Lions outfit that has strung together three consecutive wins over the Cats, following last year’s preliminary final victory, by claiming the four points in the two home-and-away meetings this year.
“We feel like in the first game this year we really brought it to them, but they got on top late,” O’Sullivan said.
“The second time, they jumped us early; probably our worst first quarter of the year, but outside of that, it was an even contest,
“They’re a strong momentum team, so we need to be ready.”
While many Geelong fans would have preferred to see the clash at GMHBA Stadium, O’Sullivan was thrilled at the chance to perform at the game’s biggest venue.
“The grand final’s played at the ‘G, so at the end of the day you’ve got to win there,” he said. “
“To get the opportunity to play a qualifying final there is amazing.”
Despite being touted as a contender for the AFL’s Rising Star award, O’Sullivan insisted his focus was squarely on September, not individual honours.
“I’m in a pretty fortunate position to even be in the conversation, but for me it’s all about getting back at Brisbane — I haven’t beaten them yet,” he said.
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