New Geelong Cats player Ollie Henry open to playing in a different position for new club

Geelong signing Ollie Henry has revealed discussions he had about playing a different position for his new side.

New Geelong recruit Ollie Henry. Picture: Geelong Cats Media

GEELONG’s newest Cat Ollie Henry says he is happy to play whatever role it takes to help the club going forward.

The former Magpie was one of the last trades to be processed on a busy AFL Deadline Day in a three-way deal that saw Cooper Stephens leave Geelong for Hawthorn.

Exclusively used as a forward at Collingwood, Henry said he was open to playing outside of the forward 50 in a bid to help his new side challenge for another premiership.

“It’s still pretty early in the conversation, I’m sure it’ll get locked down more in the pre-season and we’ll pinpoint what works,” he said.

Ollie Henry says he is open to playing in any role that will help Geelong succeed. Picture: Daniel Pockett

“I’m definitely open to trying new positions and playing further up the ground, when I was a junior I played outside the arc so the potential wing or half-back role is something I’d play.

“I’m excited to try different roles, I’m willing to put my head down, develop as a footballer and give myself the best chance to play.”

Henry played 25 games and kicked 28 goals across his two seasons for Collingwood, but fell out of favour late in the season and only played in one of Collingwood’s final eight games of 2022.

Ollie (left) and Jack Henry will both play for Geelong in 2023. Picture: Geelong Cats Facebook

The forward requested a trade to Geelong early in the trade period, with the Magpies asking for a first-round selection back from Geelong.

It was not until the final minutes of the trade period where the clubs agreed on a deal, involving Hawthorn’s Tom Mitchell to satisfy Collingwood’s demands.

Henry said he was “relieved” when the deal finally went through.

“I was very nervous in those last few minutes before the trade went through,” he said.

“I tried to keep myself pretty busy and keep my mind off it, but I knew the plan was to get to Geelong and there was the potential I’d have to walk to the draft.

“I disconnected a bit from the media talk and just stayed positive, my manager kept me in the loop about it all and assured me we would get to Geelong.

Ollie will now play alongside brother and premiership Cat Jack Henry. Picture: Alan Barber

“As soon as I knew the deal went through I was on the phone to Jack (Henry, Ollie’s brother) and told him, he’s in Europe at the moment but he was the first one I wanted to tell.

“It’s still hitting me now, having that potential to play with Jack is so exciting.”

Originally published as New Geelong Cats player Ollie Henry open to playing in a different position for new club