GEELONG rookie Ollie Dempsey has given the club’s AFL coaching staff something to think about after another impressive state league-level performance.
After kicking 4.3 in the Cats’ practice match loss to Essendon last week, Dempsey, who joined the club in last year’s Rookie Draft, contributed three majors from his 15 disposals in a 12.14 (86) to 8.10 (58) victory over the Bombers to start the VFL season at GMHBA Stadium.
“He’s so untapped (as a talent); he’s exciting to watch,” coach Shane O’Bree told Cats Media.
“The last two weeks, he’s had these burst of 20 minutes where he’s everywhere, and he’s kicked a couple of goals here and there.
“He’s good to coach. Whatever you coach him, he picks it up really quickly
“And, he’s got really good goal sense, as he’s showed straight away; and even at junior level, he always kicked a goal.
“We’re really excited by Ollie. (There’s) still a long way to go. but his coachability and what he brings to the table, he’s different to a lot of our players.”
The match was the first competitive hitout for several AFL-listed players this year.
Hawthorn recruit Jonathon Ceglar (knee), small forward Gryan Miers (ankle) and defender Mark O’Connor (knee) all got through their first matches of 2022.
Miers kicked two goals from his 17 disposals, while O’Connor also had 17 disposals.
Ceglar had ten hitouts and five disposals.
“‘Cegs’ ruck craft was really good,” O’Bree said. “He’d admit himself he’s a little bit rusty, but you could see what he’s going to bring to the club with his competitiveness and helping our group out, whether it’s playing VFL or AFL.
“Gryan and Mark – those boys started back before these guys many years ago now.
“And to have them guys come back, the way they slotted in and just their attitude and leadership was fantastic.”
Out-of-favour AFL-listed midfielder Quinton Narkle finished with an equal team-high 25 disposals and six clearances, while Nick Stevens (22 disposals), Mitch Knevitt (21) and Cooper Stephens (20).
Co-captains Matthew Ling (25 disposals) and Jackson McLachlan (18 disposals, 2.2) impressed among the VFL contingent.
Geelong will face Collingwood at Olympic Park Oval in Round 2 next Saturday afternoon.
Twitter: @tom_king79
