Newcomers get VFL chance

A WAFL premiership player, Talent League graduates, and local guns will pull on the Hoops for the first time in Geelong’s VFL practice match against Essendon tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon.

Taj Wyburd, who has joined Bellarine club Ocean Grove after playing in a premiership with Peel Thunder, headlines the newcomers.

Also named to take on the Bombers are former Geelong Falcon Kobe George and ex-GWV Rebel Mitch Lloyd, along with Charlie McCartin (Lorne), Paddy DeGrandi (St Joseph’s), Paddy Kelly (South Barwon), and Oscar Pollock (Port Fairy).

McCartin is the brother of former No.1 draft pick Patrick and current Sydney defender Tom.

He played in Lorne’s Colac and District premiership last year while also making two VFL appearances for the Swans.

It will also be former AFL rookie Osca Riccardi’s first appearance for the Cats since suffering a life-threatening brain infection in May last year.

Nine AFL-listed players have been selected, with Connor O’Sullivan and Jed Bews also selected in the Community Series match to follow.

Veteran ruck Ryan Stanley and uncapped AFL trio George Steven, Jay Polkinghorne, and Oli Wiltshire have been selected as emergencies.

Former Gold Coast and Carlton forward Jack Martin will play along with rookies Patrick Retschko and Joe Pike.

The first bounce is at 4:30pm.

X: krockfootball

GEELONG VFL SQUAD