Every Geelong VFL player’s 2023 season rated as Bailey Van De Heuvel headlines Cats’ AFL Draft hopefuls

Geelong has more than 40 players on its VFL list, and it is headlined by an AFL draft bolter. See how every Cat fared, including a host of talents from the Geelong region.

Dan Batten

@danbatten_

13 min read

September 29, 2023 - 8:00AM

News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

See which Cats VFL players impressed in 2023.

News

Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.

Geelong VFL coach Mark Corrigan believes key defender and electrician Bailey Van De Heuvel has all the tools to play in the AFL, saying clubs “can’t go wrong” in taking a punt on the mature-ager.

Van De Heuvel, 25, bolted onto the AFL Draft radar after an eye-catching finish to the season for the Cats, resulting in him being the oldest player invited to next week’s state combine.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE HOW EVERY CATS VFL PLAYER FARED

Corrigan believes the 200cm tall would have been playing senior football if he was on an AFL list with his glittering form, averaging 18.2 disposals, 8.4 marks, 7.8 intercept possessions and 4.8 intercept marks in his last five VFL matches.

Van De Heuvel crossed from Footscray last year, where he spent two seasons and has never been in a full-time football program.

Corrigan said this coupled with his form while balancing his work as an electrician underlines his “huge upside” as a prospect.

Bailey Van De Heuvel has bolted into the draft frame. Picture: Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos

“I certainly think clubs can’t go wrong to put him on a list because at his age. Also the upside, he has never been in a full-time program so with a lot of these guys as know, he’s a sparky, got trade so he’s putting in a lot of hours on the tools and comes in and trains hard,” Corrigan said.

“See his back half of the year, I think if he was on an AFL list playing that footy he would have been playing AFL

“He’s had a fantastic year and I think he deserves to hopefully be recognised and fingers crossed he gets a crack on a list somewhere.”

“For me he is incredibly competitive – I love that about him. He is super competitive, hates getting beaten, plays till the very end, he is a very good mark.

“When he’s in a good position he is very hard to stop as a defender to mark the ball and we saw that late.”

EVERY VFL CAT RATED

Ranked in order of ranking points per game

Jye Chalcraft

SuperCoach rankings points average: 94 (18 games)

Having won back-to-back Geelong VFL best-and-fairests, Chalcraft was leading the JJ Liston Medal count at the midway point of the season – a sign of his dominance start to the year as a midfielder. This included a monster game against Coburg where he tallied 33 disposals, 15 ground balls gets, a goal and 161 SuperCoach points. He spent more time up forward in the back-half of the year to make him a more attractive proposition as a mature-age AFL draft prospect. Still just 22, Chalcraft is consistent, ultra-competitive, great in the contest and uses the ball well, and the Cats believe he has a capacity to be an elite small forward. He will make the move across the Nullabor after signing with WAFL club Swan Districts.

Jye Chalcraft has had another big year for the Cats. Picture: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Harry Benson (St Mary’s)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 70 (three games)

A late addition to the Cats squad, Benson showed exciting signs in the first four games of the VFL season, averaging 21.5 disposals, 7.0 clearances, 5.3 clearances and 94 SuperCoach ranking points. But the two-time Mathieson Medal winner made the call to return to St Mary’s, with the midfielder unable to give his all to the program.

Marcus Herbert

SuperCoach rankings points average: 92 (13 matches)

Herbert was moved down back this year and thrived, averaging 22.7 disposals, 6.0 intercept possessions and 92 SuperCoach ranking points. The former GWV Rebel uses the ball well, has great agility in traffic and wins crucial contests in defence. At 21, the Cats believe he has the talent to play at the next level.

Euriah Hollard (Newtown & Chillwell)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 86 (1 match)

The Geelong Falcons graduate had a superb debut in the final round against GWS, kicking three goals to with 11 disposals and 86 ranking points in a sign for the future. Hollard, who has good forward craft and takes his chances, had a promising GFL season for Newtown & Chillwell, kicking five goals against Bell Park late in the season

Daniel Capiron

SuperCoach rankings points average: 83 (16 matches)

Geelong’s vice-captain had a phenomenal finish to the season, forming a formidable partnership with Bailey Van De Heuvel and Mace Cousins. The medium defender is great in the air, reads the play well and has strong hands overhead. Capiron led from the front in 2023, averaging 15.5 disposals, 7.1 intercepts, 3.1 intercept marks and 83 ranking points – including eight intercept marks against North Melbourne in round 16.

Daniel Capiron gets a kick away. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Tylar Watts

SuperCoach rankings points average: 83 (1 match)

Watts was rewarded for his hard work with a VFL debut against Collingwood, showing some good signs while undersized up against American Pie Mason Cox. The mobile ruck-forward is a fierce competitor who covers the ground well and could be used at either end in the future.

Jack Evans (Echuca)

SuperCoach ranking points average: 74 (6 matches)

A utility who can play all over the ground, Evans is a clever footballer who makes good decisions with the ball and runs hard up and down the ground. Evans is mature beyond his years and is a player his teammates love running out with, playing the six games for the Cats in 2023 along with 16 for Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League.

Matty Lloyd (Newtown & Chillwell)

SuperCoach ranking points average: 73 (8 matches)

An elite ball-winner at GFL level for Newtown & Chillwell, Lloyd showcased his attacking flare with the footy on the outside for Geelong’s VFL side. Had a couple of injury issues throughout the season but broke in for eight matches for the Cats, with his two goal display against Coburg standing out.

Matty Lloyd in action for Newtown & Chilwell.

Ben Lloyd (Bell Park)

SuperCoach ranking points average: 73 (16 matches)

Lloyd had an impressive season the Cats, with his three goals against Brisbane in round 18 the highlight. The Bell Park product was a consistent performer throughout the year with his defensive application and running capacity, playing 16 games for the season.

Hamish Lucas (Bell Park)

SuperCoach ranking points average: 72 (10 matches)

Lucas had an eye-catching first season at VFL level, impressing with his burst, power and polish on the outside. Gives the Cats a point-of-difference with his ability to win his own footy and then explode form the contest and use it well. Geelong is excited by his potential.

Kade Chalcraft (St Mary’s)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 70 (three games)

Jye’s younger brother played most of his season for St Mary’s in the GFL due to Geelong’s strong on-ball brigade. But his dominant display against Richmond in round eight showed he can perform at the level, waxing well with Jye and winning 26 disposals, 17 contested possessions and 12 clearances. Was unlucky not to get more opportunities after that with bouts of concussion halting his run.

Billy Crofts

SuperCoach rankings points average: 68 (3 games)

The tough inside midfielder was used in the engine room and as a hybrid forward. But he lacked opportunity due to the Cats AFL midfielders that regularly filled their VFL side, playing the three games for the season. The Cats know exactly what they’ll get when Crofts runs out with his strong work at the contest.

Brayden Ham

SuperCoach rankings points average: 64 (12 games)

Ham, who was delisted by Essendon last year, started the year with a bang but his season was interrupted by a hamstring injury that sidelined him for two months. Mixing his time between half forward and the wing, the young Cats side missed his footy nous and experience during this period, with his performance on the MCG against Box Hill the highlight of his year. Ham is also highly rated internally for his work off the field.

Brayden Ham in action for the Bombers in 2022. Picture: Michael Klein

Tanner Lovell

SuperCoach rankings points average: 62 (3 games)

Like many other fringe Cats VFL midfielders, Lovell is considered unlucky not to have received more VFL opportunity. Lovell was outstanding at local level, finishing the GFL season as one of the leading disposal winners and second in Geelong West’s best-and-fairest. Got his chance against Port Melbourne late in the year, showcasing his ability to get to good spots and win the footy with 25 disposals and four clearances. The Cats hope to see him playing more VFL football next year.

Will Christie (Wangaratta)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 61 (10 games)

Christie got better as the year went on with his competitiveness standing out. With Geelong’s AFL ruck stocks depleted, Christie stepped up and took the ruck mantle. His standout game came in round 14, where he was named in the best with 30 hitouts and 10 touches against Melbourne.

Mace Cousins (Darley)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 60 (12 games)

Cousins only came out a cast just before Geelong’s first practice match after suffering a thumb injury through cricket, but from there he never looked back. The key defender became a regular down back for the Cats, being named in the best in five of his 12 matches before suffering a minor leg fracture. Coach Mark Corrigan believes the 21-year-old is made for an AFL list with his reading of the play, ability to compete defensive and his ball use.

Tyler Norton (Wangaratta)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 56 (2 games)

Norton had a strong pre-season for the Cats coming in as a youngster and broke in late in for two games midway through the year as a defender. He is tough, uses the ball well and has a good running capacity and this should hold him in good stead to get more exposure at VFL level in 2024.

Tom Feely (Leopold)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 55 (14 games)

Feely was a consistent performer, playing multiple roles throughout the season for the Cats. A leader at the club, Feely possesses fantastic athleticism, is efficient with his disposal and is also strong and tough. The Leopold product played 14 games for the Cats across the year and kicked seven goals.

Bailey Van De Heuvel

SuperCoach rankings points average: 55 (17 games)

With a dearth of key defenders in the AFL, Van De Heuvel has burst on the scene as a mature-age option after a stellar finish to the VFL season. The 200cm key defender, who crossed from Footscray last season, is ultra-competitive, has strong hands overhead and reads the play well. His ability to lock down opponents and turn defence into attack with his intercepting makes him a promising option at his size. Has been invited to the state combine, suggesting that at least a couple of clubs are interested. Right under the Cats’ nose, could he be a ready-made replacement for wantaway tall Esava Ratugolea?

Thomas Panuccio (Newtown & Chillwell)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 54 (8 games)

Pannuccio missed out at times despite being deserving of opportunities as a result of forward spots being filled by AFL listed Cats. But he showed some promising signs throughout the year as a small forward with great work rate, booting six goals in eight matches.

Sam Bourke (St Mary’s)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 53 (1 game)

The key position player got an opportunity against Werribee but suffered a concussion blow in that match. Bourke trained with the Cats as a forward and was moved down back for St Mary’s, which impacted his ability to break back in at VFL level. The Cats like what he offers as a forward with his competitiveness, versatility and long reach and hope to see more of him in 2024.

Jamie Quick (North Ballarat)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 51 (5 games)

A medium forward with good goal sense, Quick showed he has tricks in his five games this season to finish the season. He kicked two goals against North Melbourne and Essendon in consecutive weeks. The 22-year-old stood out in the Ballarat Football League this season, kicking 51 goals in 16 matches.

Angus Byrne gets a kick away. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Angus Byrne (Echuca)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 51 (11 games)

The Cats skipper switched ends this year out of necessity and kicked nine goals in 11 games up forward, including three against Port Melbourne in round 10. As a forward he is a difficult match-up with his strength, power and speed off the mark. Byrne played just 11 games this year after undergoing a knee clean-out, with the Cats missing his on-field leadership.

Oscar Morrison (St Joseph’s)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 50 (11 games)

The young key position prospect played but the one game but impressed the Cats with his desire to learn. He featured for the Cats against Richmond, adding to his four games for North Melbourne last year. The former Geelong Falcon also spent time forward for St Joseph’s in the GFL, kicking 11 goals from 16 matches.

Benjamin Worme (Bell Park)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 49 (3 games)

A versatile mid-sized player who has the capacity to play multiple roles, Worme wasn’t able to get continuity this year due to injury. Worme played three games in 2023 after seven games last year, also playing 12 matches for Bell Park in the GFL.

Mark Marriott (Cobden)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 46 (5 games)

Marriott, 22, was a late addition to the Cats program and made every post a winner in 2023. The 205cm ruckman is raw but gave the Cats something different at stoppages with his competitiveness. Showed promise in his five matches from round 6-11 when Geelong’s ruck stocks were light on.

Hunter Gottschling (Wangaratta)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 46 (4 games)

Gottschling had to deal with injuries to start the year but got better and better after breaking in late in the season. The former Murray Bushranger is tough and composed as a halfback and was named in the best in six of his eight matches for Wangaratta in the Ovens and Murray League.

Mitch Chafer (Grovedale)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 42 (4 matches)

Managed the four games for the Cats this year as he adjusted to a different forward role to the one he’s used to at Grovedale. A tough player who wins contests, Chafer’s main highlight came in his first game for the year against Port Melbourne where he had 11 touches, seven contested possessions and booted a goal. Had an impressive season at GFL level, booting 42 majors from 15 games.

Mitch Chafer had a strong season at GFL level. Picture: Mark Wilson

Kye Annand (Geelong West)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 41 (10 matches)

The Cats were impressed with what the raw prospect was able to produce up forward as a youngster. Annand covers the ground well for a big man and was also used in the ruck where his follow-up work at ground level was promising. He also booted eight goals from eight games for Geelong West in the GFL, including three in the final round against St Joseph’s.

Ryan Eyers (Newtown & Chillwell)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 40 (7 matches)

Eyers was on the AFL draft radar last year after playing with the Allies as an over-age player at the national championships. The athletic tall was used down back for the Cats in his seven VFL games, where his competitiveness and reach showed he has the attributes to be a strong defender. He was also used up forward and as a mobile ruckman at stages for Newtown & Chillwell in the GFL.

Lewis Antonac (St Joseph’s)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 32 (1 match)

Had a promising debut against Werribee where he kicked two goals, but he suffered another concussion blow which sidelined him for longer than expected. Antonac has good footy IQ and the physical capabilities to play as a high forward.

Tanner Lewis

SuperCoach rankings points average: 32 (1 games)

Lewis was sidelined with a foot injury at the back-end of the year but he has huge upside as a young key forward. The Geelong West product is unique at 195cm: he is strong, has a good running capacity, and plays like a small when the ball hits the deck. The Giants even played him on the ball at times at GFL level. Geelong is excited by the 20-year-old’s potential and envisage him as a mobile tall forward who can pinch hit as an undersized ruckman.

Tynan Smith (Torquay)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 30 (1 match)

Lingering concussion issues stemming from an incident last year flared up again during the year, with the forward unsighted after their clash with Box Hill early in the season. One the Cats had pencilled in to play up forward each week with his ability to play tall and small, consistency and experience.

Will Sheahan (Leopold)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 26 (3 matches)

Sheahan started his first game against Sydney well with his speed off the mark on show, but he managed just the three games for the season. Has all the traits to be able to play as a hybrid forward and consistency in his performance will be the key to getting more VFL exposure next year. Sheahan capped his year with a strong GFL grand final display where he booted two goals, making it 24 from 18 games for the season.

Will Sheahan celebrates a goal in the GFL grand final. Picture: Mark Wilson

Darby Schilder (Modewarre)

SuperCoach rankings points average: 22 (1 match)

Schilder had an unlucky run of injuries, with the key defender managing just the one game for the Cats this season. A highly regarded character, Schilder put his hand up to be the travelling emergency on a couple of occasions to help out the team. Schilder can be used at both ends and uses the ball well.