Star defender Zach Guthrie was the first Geelong player to face the media following the Christmas-New Year break.
Here are some of the key takeaways.
THE ADDITION OF BAILEY SMITH AND JACK MARTIN
When making a change, it can be a bit challenging, but they’ve fitted in really well, and they’ve both showcased why they are really good players early on in the pre-season. I think they’ve been able to showcase some of the things that they’re going to bring this year and that I’m excited to see myself, so that’ll just continue to grow as we get more into that match-specific stuff, I’m sure. But I’m really looking forward to seeing what both of those guys can do across the year.
BAILEY SMITH IN THE MIDFIELD
Yeah, I’m not too sure exactly where that’ll fit. I think that when you are a player like Bailey, and you’ve got a number of players, and you’ve got a number of strengths you can bring to the game, I think flexibility is something that we can really utilise, and I’m sure he’ll play a number of different positions for us and do it at a really high level for us. So I’m looking forward to seeing how that evolves and I think when you have some of the strengths like someone like him has, I think it’ll be a real weapon for us.
CAM GUTHRIE
It’s probably frustrating when you can’t get on the field and play games because that’s what you’re here to do, isn’t it? To look to help the team get some wins, which I think is the frustrating part, but he’s been really positive throughout it all and really hoping that some of the things that have affected his body in the last few years can be put behind him and he can get back to some really good form and help the team which I know he can. He’s moving around well, and he’s progressed his stuff even since the end of last year, and he’s feeling good. So, I’m looking forward to seeing him just keep putting himself in the best shape possible to perform for us early in the year and to set himself up for a big year.
EARLIER START TO THE SEASON
I probably wouldn’t know the exact number of days, but I know it’s going to come around really quickly because we are playing in Opening Round, and we’ve got some practice matches, and we keep coming around earlier and earlier, which is exciting. I’m looking forward to getting right into the match-play sort of stuff and the games and blowing the cobwebs out a little bit. And we’re really excited by getting to probably showcase a number of guys in those games to see where the whole squad’s at. And then, obviously, when the opening round does come around, we know we’ve got a big challenge ahead of us, and we’ll be looking to start the season really strong, as I know every other team will be.
LAWSON HUMPHRIES
He’s obviously fitted into that level really well at the back end of last year and showcased some of his strengths. His composure’s at a really high level, I think, and I think that’s the great thing about him, that he has a really good idea of the strengths that he can bring, and he does a really good job at showcasing them. So, yeah, I’ve really enjoyed working closely with him. and he’s someone I’ll continue to learn off myself. Some of the things he did last year, I admired myself, so I’m looking forward to continuing that bond with him.
CONNOR O’SULLIVAN
He’s a really, really good athlete. He’s someone that is in that boat where he played one game last year and looked comfortable at the level. He’s going to be a really good player for us in the future, I think, as he continues to develop. And he’s moving really well along with some of those other guys and really pushing the training standards at the moment. So I’m sure he’ll be someone to watch early in the year, looking forward to seeing; because he is so flexible, a number of different roles that he can play. But yeah, I’m sure he’ll be someone who will be really keen to impress, and he’s been looking really good.
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