Geelong recruiting guru Stephen Wells remains “bullish” about the talent available in this year’s AFL draft period despite concerns about the depth of this year’s pool.
Having promoted Irishman Oisin Mullin from their rookie list to the primary list, the Cats will have an equal-record low two selections in the National Draft; a first-round pick (currently no.19) on Wednesday night and a second-rounder on (No.40) on Thursday.
Geelong is also likely to have one selection in Friday’s rookie draft, with a further two selections slated to be used on delisted pair George Stevens and Keighton Matofai Forbes.
The Cats also have a Category B rookie place available.
“I think there’s always good talent and there’ll be plenty of good players (available) through into the rookie draft,” Wells said.
“I’m bullish about this year’s draft as I am with most drafts. I think there’s good talent there. There’ll be good options for our picks.
“We’ll probably get to the end of it all and wish we had a couple more picks, I reckon, but it’s not going to be the case.
“So, we’re trying to make the most of those picks that we do have.”
Wells said Geelong had no specific plans for the two National Draft selections.
“Talking to our list management team and the coaches, there’s not a specific target positionally for our needs,” he said.
“We’ve drafted quite a number of young players over recent years that have found their spot all over the ground or (are) developing into players that might be able to push into the senior team in coming years in a variety of positions.
“So, it’s going to be what we think is best fit for the club, but we haven’t committed ourselves to taking a particular positional type.”
As always, local talent is on Geelong’s radar with Vic Country captain and Under-18 All-Australian Josh Linsday likely to find a home in the picks before the Cats’ first selection.
Fellow Geelong Falcon Hugo Mikunda is expected to be available when the Cats make their second selection.
There is also talent from Geelong’s VFL team under consideration, including Tobyn Murray and Marcus Herbert.
While NGA prospects Jesse Mellor, who was also selected in the All-Australian team, and Ben Rongdit will come into discussion for the Category B position if the Cats don’t select either with their second-round selection, and rival clubs overlook them.
“Josh Lindsay’s had an outstanding year, and he’s going to get his chance somewhere in the draft and probably reasonably early,” Wells said.
“We are, as usual, taking a close look at the local talent.
“It doesn’t mean we’re going to commit to any of those players, but they’ll certainly be getting an extra bit of consideration if they’re available around our picks.”
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