Few comments on some cats forwards. Parfitt gonna be an interesting one in JLT. Did have some big scores last season.
https://www.geelongadvertiser.com.a...l/news-story/71ac4e2908b77e811e1cebeda1eae2db
Geelong Cats 2019: Competition for spots increases as training intensifies at Deakin Oval
JANUARY 21, 2019
GEELONG endured one of its toughest post-Christmas training sessions at Deakin Oval on Monday, with the fight for places in Chris Scott’s team starting to intensify as practice matches loom.
The Cats have less than six weeks until they play their first JLT game, and while it is expected that most of the side will be made up of Geelong’s senior core, first-to-third year players have begun putting their hands up for spots in the team.
Brandan Parfitt was one Geelong youngster who stood out in the extended match simulation session, which was again overseen by AFL umpires, including veteran whistle blower Matt Stevic.
Parfitt is one of a handful of Cats who will look to earn more regular time in the midfield in 2019 and has done his chances of achieving that aim no harm this summer.
The 20-year-old’s fitness has improved rapidly, which the club hopes will enable him to move out of the forward line and spend more time running through the middle of the ground.
It would free up a spot in attack for a small forward, which could be filled by tackling machine Tom Atkins.
Atkins has been a standout performer in competitive drills this summer and was at it again at Deakin, laying some crunching tackles on teammates.
Quinton Narkle also looked strong in tight while Charlie Constable, who is yet to make his debut, has quietly been going about his business and appears ready to step up to senior footy.
Draftee pair Oscar Brownless and Jacob Kennerley have both been building the kilometres in their legs and continued their strong pre-seasons, while Irishman Mark O’Connor was again showcasing how far he has come since arriving at GMHBA Stadium at the end of 2016.
Insiders at Geelong have been impressed by just how quickly O’Connor has progressed and believe he could be capable of moving out of defence and further up the ground this year.
His countryman Zach Tuohy was an observer for part of the two-and-a-half hour hit out as he overcomes an off-season knee injury, but there were positive signs for Sam Menegola and Nakia Cockatoo.
The duo did not participate in the main training session but
Menegola covered close to 10km in various running exercises before joining Cockatoo for thirty minutes of one-on-one contested ball drills.
Gary Ablett was back for his first run since becoming a father last week but despite speculation over where he will be best suited in 2019, one of the biggest queries that remains is who will land the role as number one ruckman.
Competition is bound to increase in the coming weeks and three-time premiership Cat Brad Ottens on hand to work with the four contenders — Ryan Abbott, Darcy Fort, Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith — as they battle for the prized mantle.