New Cat Ollie Henry is firming for a Geelong debut in round 1 against Collingwood

After an impressive pre-season across multiple positions, new Cat Ollie Henry is firming for a round 1 debut against his old side.

Ollie Henry. Geelong welcomed back its full list for the first day of training held at North Shore football ground in Norlane on Monday afternoon. Picture: Alan Barber

ONE of Geelong’s new recruits is already turning heads during the pre-season, with former Magpie Ollie Henry firming as a likely round one chance after crossing over in the trade period.

The former Falcon was part of a three-way trade that saw Tom Mitchell head to Collingwood, while Cooper Stephens and pick 25 moved to Hawthorn and the Magpies respectively.

Henry had threatened to walk to the pre-season draft if the two sides could not agree on a price for the out-of-contract forward, and now he is likely to make his club debut against his old side.

But Henry is proving to be worth the scrutiny around the highly-publicised trade, with a number of teammates impressed with the 20-year-old’s performances on the track.

“He’s been really impressive in our match sim and also just training,” forward star Jeremy Cameron said.

“He’s that medium type but he can play tall, he grabs the ball at the highest point and protects it really well in the air.

“He seems to float in the air for longer than anyone else, it’s been really impressive to see his development and I’m sure he’s only going to get better.”

Henry has been trialled across multiple positions in the pre-season, impressing in the backline alongside his older brother Jack.

Veteran forward Tom Hawkins said the brothers were “strikingly similar”.

Tanner Bruhn, Ollie Henry and Sam De Koning at Geelong training. Picture: Cats Media

“Some of their traits and how they carry themselves and their athletic abilities is something that I’ve enjoyed watching,” he said.

“He’s a player that can play multiple positions, I’m not exactly sure what’s in store for him and where the coaches see him playing but he’s an exciting prospect.

“Bringing in new faces and people brings a different edge to the group, it brings excitement, it brings a new way of thinking and looking at things.”

Henry has kicked 28 goals in his 25 games for the Magpies, including a bag of four majors in the round 10 win against Fremantle last season.

Cats forward Brad Close said he hoped to line up alongside Henry in the forward line, but conceded he could be used anywhere.

“Ollie Henry is obviously playing a bit up forward with us but that’s the thing, Ollie can probably play anywhere on the field,” he said.

“He just jumps at the ball and is the player that we haven’t really seen.

“He can play tall, he can play small, so I reckon he’ll be one to watch for sure.”

Originally published as New Cat Ollie Henry is firming for a Geelong debut in round 1 against Collingwood