Geelong starts pre-season training as new draftees get first taste

Bailey Smith wasn’t expected to be back at Geelong training, but said on social media that it was “day one”. However, he wasn’t out there on the track. See all the pics here.

Geelong trade recruit Bailey Smith was a notable absentee as the Cats’ pre-season campaign kicked off.

The Cats’ first to five year players returned on Monday, two months after the club’s heartbreaking preliminary final loss to eventual premiers Brisbane

Smith, who became a Cat during the trade period, posted an Instagram story early on Monday morning with the caption, “Day one”.

Bailey Smith's story on Monday morning. Picture: Instagram

However, the 23-year-old wasn’t among his new teammates at Deakin University in Waurn Ponds.

The blistering midfielder is not expected to begin training until the entire squad is back later in the pre-season, but had signalled his intent to return early: “Very excited for when day one of pre-season rolls around. I’m itching for it to be honest.”

Smith could have been in at the club behind closed doors at GMHBA Stadium.

Geelong’s draftees sported new numbers — including South Australian forward Jay Polkinghorne in retired champion Zach Tuohy’s number two, and St Kilda academy graduate Lenny Hofmann in delisted forward Gary Rohan’s 23 — but their official numbers are yet to be announced.

The Cats completed light drills to start the session and grew in intensity as it went on, completing some half-ground simulations.

VFL coaches Mark Corrigan and Aaron Black even got involved with limited numbers on the track as senior coach Chris Scott watched on.

Gaelic footy convert Cillian Burke spent time getting used to the Sherrin in his hands after arriving in Geelong last week fromm County Kerry in Ireland.

25-11-2024 Geelong Cats pre-season training at Deakin University Waurn Ponds. Cillian Burke. Picture: Brad Fleet

Reigning Carji Greeves medallist Max Holmes caught the eye with and without the footy, providing some vocal feedback to talented tall Connor O’Sullivan when he shanked a snap.

“Sully, you’re a defender, mate!” Holmes bellowed with a laugh.

Holmes also gave some encouragement to Irishman Oisin Mullin after a strong defensive effort during their half ground transition drill: “Go Osh, let’s f---ing go!”

Rising Star winner Ollie Dempsey and late-season revelation Lawson Humphries both showed the damaging run and carry they provided last season.

Developing 206 centimetre ruckman Mitch Edwards moved well and showed his mobility while completing high-speed running, keeping up with his much smaller teammates.

Edwards’ first AFL season was bookended by back issues which restricted him to just three VFL games.

Originally published as Geelong starts pre-season training as new draftees get first taste