Kristian Dwyer - TheCoventryEnd.com
They’re Geelong, the greatest team of all, they’re Geelong, they’re always on the ball, and were definitely so this trade period.
Securing Dangerfield, Selwood, Smith and Henderson, the Cats have one of the best teams on paper, but will they gel?
They’ll be hoping so as their trading exploits didn’t leave recruiting boss Stephen Wells much leeway with five picks starting at lowly pick 67 to play with.
Picks
67, 85, 103, 121 and 139.
Key Target
Lachlan Tiziani (Murray Bushrangers, TAC Cup) – This young gentleman could prove to be the ace in the Geelong recruiting cap. Highly sought after, if the versatile utility from country New South Wales manages to slip through the cracks, the Cats may have a unique weapon up their sleeve.
Performing up front at the U-18 championships as well as for the Bushrangers, Tiziani can play all over the park, and in just under half of his 13 matches, was named best on ground.
Likely Picks
If they’re still around possible names at the Cattery next season may include Sam Skinner, Nick Coughlan, Brayden Hackett and Tom Doedee.
Wildcard(s): There’s also the unlikely scenario that Geelong may just completely ignore the draft and look at the pre-season and rookie drafts to fill their list. With picks so late it may be a risk for the Cats to fill their spots with sub-standard players. At pick 67, the Cats will be hoping the non-melbourne teams battle it out with their picks for academy players, and some of the talent will have a flow through effect. But if anyone can do it, it’s Geelong’s list guru Stephen Wells.
Where does this leave them situated: It’s clear that with the trade period, Geelong are aiming for a tilt at the flag, and any draftees will only be there to complement the first 22.