Geelong Cats: Tom Atkins praises Connor O’Sullivan, Oli Wiltshire in pre-season work

Gun midfielder Tom Atkins has heaped plenty of praise on the new wave of Cats, while also revealing his main focus for this pre-season.

New Cats players Connor O'Sullivan, left, Shaun Mannagh, Ollie Wiltshire, George Stevens and Emerson Jeka. Picture: Alison Wynd

Cats gun Tom Atkins says he is focused on becoming a more attacking midfield threat as the club ramps up its pre-season efforts.

The full contingent of Cats have been back on the training track the past two weeks, except for defender Jack Henry and utility Phoenix Foster, who have been recovering for respective foot injuries.

Atkins was full of praise for the newest additions at the Cattery, including first-round recruit Connor O’Sullivan and new assistant coach Steven King.

“‘Sully’ is a pretty impressive athlete and has a real enthusiasm for the team side of things as well, he’s been awesome,” he said.

“Oli Wiltshire has got that X-Factor, he’s a good looking player, and Mitch (Edwards) is a big boy as well.

“They’ve been really impressive, they’re all living together down in Torquay so they’ve become really close, so we’re looking forward to seeing them in the match sim.

Cats player Oli Wiltshire

“(King) has been taking control of our contested side of things and the midfield stuff, he’s been awesome, he’s brought a fresh set of eyes and he’s really analysed how we went last year and looking to bring some new things into that midfield mix, so really excited to get to work with him.

“We got Cam Guthrie back … so it’ll be good the next couple of weeks before Christmas will be enjoyable.”

Geelong will face Essendon at GMHBA Stadium on Friday, March 1, at 5.10pm as a part of the official pre-season match round, but the club is yet to confirm whether it will play an additional match simulation against another club.

12 of the 18 teams have already locked in unofficial scratch matches the weekend prior to the official practice matches.

Atkins said his pre-season was focused on developing a more attacking style of midfield play, after progressing through Geelong’s ranks as a small defender and defensive midfielder.

Tom Atkins of the Geelong Cats in action. Picture: Mark Stewart

“I’ve still got plenty of flaws in my game I’m trying to work on,” he said.

“Probably trying to become a bit more offensively minded, that’s been a downfall of mine throughout my whole career, so trying to work on that.

“Trying to get my running to go up a level as well.

“Having that extra time in the break really helps just to get refocused and really figure out a few things I can work on this off-season.”

Originally published as Geelong Cats: Tom Atkins praises Connor O’Sullivan, Oli Wiltshire in pre-season work