Geelong premiership ruckman Rhys Stanley has heaped praise on understudy Toby Conway as the Cats plan for the future of their ruck department.
Conway is entering his third season at Kardinia Park and first with senior experience already to his name, having made his debut in Geelong's final game of the 2023 season against the Western Bulldogs.
The local product recorded 24 hitouts to go with six disposals and two clearances in a matchup on All-Australian tall Tim English, with the 20-year-old giving Cats fans an early glimpse into the club's future midfield mix.
Working in tandem with Stanley during that Round 24 clash was a key step in the club's ruck succession plans as the veteran Cat prepares to hand the baton over to Conway as early as this season.
Having added size and strengthened his ruck craft since his promising draft season with the Geelong Falcons in 2021, Conway looms as a talent ready to take the nest step at the Cats after dealing with a string of setbacks in his short time at the top level.
"He's one that's had good availability (during the pre-season)," Stanley told Cats Media of Conway.
"He's battled the last couple of years with injury, so it's been good to have him out there and see him flourish into what we know he's gonna be.
"When he came (into the club) we saw glimpses of what he could do. He's a big boy, so rucking against him each session has been good.
"It's been good working with him and Shan (Shannon O'Neale). This continuity piece is obviously big for us."
Stanley himself is keen to be fit and firing in what will be his 15th season in the AFL, with 2024 looming as the first year in four seasons where he hasn't required off-season surgery.
The off-contract Cats ruckman will likely see his own workloads managed throughout the coming season, with Conway's influence set to grow over the coming campaign.
The close contest between Geelong's leading two ruck options will continue through to Round 1 before an intriguing selection call is made by coach Chris Scott, who will decide on the experience or potential in the next stage of the Cats' ruck contingency plan.
Geelong's 2024 run will commence with a home game against St Kilda and All-Australian squad member Rowan Marshall, who is coming off a career-best year as the Saints' sole ruckman.
Conway could be tasked with leading his side's ruck group during Geelong's pair of pre-season hitouts from later this month when they face Carlton and Essendon.