Geelong rookie Patrick Retschko on his choice between footy and athletics and his running gifts

Geelong draftee Patrick Retschko had to choose between his two passions, and his decision was vindicated. He reflects on that decision, following in the footsteps of two Cats sensations and more.

Two years before he won the 2km time trial at the state draft combine, Geelong rookie Patrick Retschko had a decision to make after suffering a cruel injury blow.

Aim get drafted into the AFL, or strive to head over to the United States with athletics.

That call was vindicated when the wingman became a Cat with pick 23 in November’s rookie draft.

“In 2022 when I came down with an ACL, I kind of had the choice to pack on a bit of muscle and develop my leg strength, or I could have stayed a pretty light, twig type thing and gone kind of through that collegiate process in the US,” Retschko said.

“Always kind of had a mantra that however good I was at athletics, I’d always love to be as good at football.

“But at the end of the day, I think I always wanted to be preferred as like a running footballer, someone that can really translate their strengths into their games.

“I think I always had a deep love and much more of a love for football than I did athletics.”

Patrick Retschko runs the 2km time trial. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

The Oakleigh Chargers product ran a blistering time of six minutes and seven seconds in the 2km time trial at the state screening in October.

Retschko’s endurance isn’t just for show, either.

The 186 centimetre utility clocked up plenty of kilometres during games for the Chargers and Vic Metro, with his best performance of the year coming against the Allies at the national championships where he had 24 disposals and seven marks.

Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Alex Davey said he was always in the top three for distance covered.

“Distance covered in particularly was something that was always really impressive, just showing how hard he worked throughout games,” Davey said.

“He sort of played half back and wing for us and his ability to not only get up the ground and impact on offence, but also work really hard defensively, really came up on the GPS.”

Geelong already has several strong runners – former steeplechaser Mark Blicavs, Max Holmes, Gryan Miers, and Ollie Dempsey just to name a few – but they will have to be at their best to knock off Retschko in the pre-season running.

Retschko in action for Vic Metro. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

Retschko in action for Chargers. Picture: Rob Lawson/AFL Photos

“I don’t want to come in with too strong of an impression, but if I can be within a couple of metres of them, I think it’ll be going all right,” Retschko said.

“And they’re pretty good as well in terms of reaching out and giving me a bit of a guiding hand so far in the first week. So if I’m anywhere near them, or half as good as the player they are, I think the Cats fans should be pretty happy.”

Retschko’s character is another area that stands out, and this came to the fore when he was dealing with his knee injury.

“It obviously was a bit of adversity to face,” Davey said.

“I think his character was really good through that time and sort of came out of the other end of it much better because of it.”

Retschko had an inkling that he was a chance to join Geelong, but he knew the Cats love to pull a draft surprise.

“I guess the Cats are pretty good at pulling people out of nowhere, so you can never really know with the Cats’ interest,” Retschko said with a smile.

“But I was very grateful to have my name read out, especially when you’re a back end pick, to have them have their faith in you, it is a pretty special prize.”

Mature-age sensations Shaun Mannagh and Lawson Humphries were two players that Geelong from nowhere last year and they have already been a “huge help” for Retschko.

He hopes Geelong’s 2024 draft class of back-end picks and rookies can emulate Mannagh and Humphries.

Lenny Hofmann (left) and Patrick Retschko. Picture: Mike Dugdale

“I have no doubt that out of the group of boys that were picked up this year, that a fair majority of us will hopefully be successful and at the very least put our best step forward,” Retschko said.

“Especially with those boys (Mannagh and Humphries) guiding us in terms of their journey and the diverse kind of nature of the group, I think it’s really going to benefit all of us pretty well.”

With a ready-made frame and elite running capacity, Cats fans might see Retschko in the hoops in 2025.

“He is super diligent with his preparation and his training, so I know that he’s going to have a really big pre-season and try to set himself up for the best chance,” Davey said.

“It certainly wouldn’t surprise me to see him playing some AFL footy next year.”

Originally published as Geelong rookie Patrick Retschko on his choice between footy and athletics and his running gifts