Tigers primed for Round 1

Richmond star Brett Deledio in full flight against the Western Bulldogs at Visy Park. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick came away from yesterday's nine-point win over the Western Bulldogs confident his team was in great shape for its Round 1 showdown against Carlton.

The Tigers have dropped only one game in the pre-season and have almost a full list to chose from for the season opener on Thursday week.

Against the Dogs they came from 18 points down in the third quarter to kick seven of the last nine goals in scrappy conditions at Visy Park, and did so with subdued performances from key players Trent Cotchin (18 disposals), Jack Riewoldt (one goal and six disposals), Dustin Martin and Chris Newman (10 possessions each).

''It was a tough old game really, and the conditions weren't really great, but to walk away at the end of the NAB Cup campaign with four wins and one loss was a reasonable result for us,'' Hardwick said.

Jake King and Daniel Jackson, who were rested yesterday, are both expected to be available for the Round 1 match against the Blues.

Chris Knights and Dylan Grimes, who have had injury-interrupted pre-seasons, are expected to get at least a half in Coburg's VFL match against Weribee on Sunday.

Nathan Foley remains at least a month away from playing.

The Tigers had six multiple goalkickers, led by ruckman Ivan Maric, with Luke McGuane (two goals) presenting as a third marking forward.

''He was good, kicked a couple of goals,'' Hardwick said. ''He does compete, Luke, that's the one thing we love about him.''

The Bulldogs were disappointed they could not finish off the march, but would be encouraged by knowing about a half a dozen new faces could come into the team that finished the 2012 season, with Brett Goodes, Jason Johannisen, Nick Lower and Tom Young among those with strong cases for inclusion.

Lower did exceptionally well nullifying Cotchin, restricting him to just six disposals in the first half and frustrating the Tigers skipper throughout.

Assistant coach Brett Montgomery was buoyed that experienced core played well, but several recruits had played well.

''At the selection table ... we've got plenty to choose from and there were at least 12 or 13 weeks last year where that wasn't the case and we were just putting whatever we had out there,'' Montgomery said.

Adam Cooney (24 touches) showed glimpses of the explosive best that was a feature of his glory days, Robert Murphy was damaging alternating between half forward and half back and Daniel Giansiracusa (two goals) was a constant threat.

Ryan Griffen collected 30 possessions and Dale Morris totally outplayed Riewoldt.

Montgomery said the club was hopeful Shaun Higgins, Easton Wood and possibly Tom Williams would be available for the Round 1 match against Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, although the Dogs were conscious of not including several underdone players in the 22.

Higgins and Wood are likely to play at VFL level next weekend.

Hardwick also backed the AFL's new sliding rules after the match.

''Overall I think the rule is great, I really like it. 54 free kicks today is a lot of free kicks. It's really hard for the umpires to administer. Is it forceful contact or is it (just) contact .... wet conditions is tough. I think the overriding concept is good.

''There's a couple though on a wet day where a guy slides to get the ball and a player falls over the top. They're probably the ones where we have to wait and see (how the rule is interpreted).''

23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gray happy to be back

Robbie Gray at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide specialist forward Robbie Gray will step up his workloads after a successful return from serious knee surgery to competitive football on Saturday night.

Power assistant coach Garry Hocking today described Gray as a "kid in a lolly shop'' in his chase for the ball during half a game with SANFL club West Adelaide in a night trial at Richmond Oval.

He added the recuperation program would now have Gray play three quarters in SANFL trials with roles in the midfield.
 
Independent observers noted Gray has lost none of his pace despite his legs having naturally lost their tone.
 
Gray yesterday Tweeted: "Got through and pulled up well. Good to be back playing again!''

Gray was injured in April in Port's away clash with Collingwood. At best, he could resume in the AFL on April 6 at home against Greater Western Sydney.

23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Leuenberger unscathed in return

Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger got through half a game with Brisbane's reserves side. Picture: Adam Armstrong Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE had further cause for celebration over the weekend with ruckman Matthew Leuenberger playing half a match in the reserves.

Leuenberger's start to the season was under a cloud after he suffered back stiffness and calf soreness following the game against GWS in Wagga Wagga two weeks ago.

He did not play against Collingwood the following weekend and was not considered for the NAB Cup  final, putting his availability for round 1 in doubt.

But the back ailment has cleared and he emerged from the practice match unscathed.

Leuenberger, who suffered a series achilles injury in 2012 to miss all but three games, will resume full training this week.

23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daisy puts form before contract

The Magpies have not put a time frame on negotiations with Dale Thomas. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD star Dale Thomas says he'll "never say never" about signing at another club, adding he has got to get "money in my pocket".

Thomas stressed yesterday that he was in no hurry to launch into contract negotiations coming off ankle surgery and a modest 2012.

The 25-year-old midfielder will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season if he doesn't re-sign before then and will likely attract significant interest from rival clubs.

He was a target of Greater Western Sydney in 2011 before inking a two-year deal with the Magpies.

Thomas said yesterday he wanted time to build on his form before opening contract talks.

"There is no point in me signing currently, coming off the year I had last year and just coming back with an injury," Thomas told Channel 7's AFL Game Day.

"I would like to think I would give myself a bit of time to get some form up, play some good footy and then start talking contracts.

"But at the minute, the club I am sure would like to get my signature because it would be worth next to nothing.

"The last thing I want is for it to become a circus as these things over the past few years for other players have kind of happened.

"My signature will go on a piece of paper at some point, as it has to happen."

Pressed on which club that would be at, Thomas said:

"That's the question. Hopefully at Collingwood and hopefully I play good enough footy and everything happens and pans out well.

"But never say never, I have got to try and get some money in my pocket. I don't want to say I'll sign right here and now."

Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said the Magpies had not put a time frame on negotiations.

"We haven't started to talk to him or his management about it," Walsh said yesterday. "We would be wanting him to get up and get some games under his belt and start to worry about that before he worries about anything else."

Asked if he was confident of retaining Thomas, Walsh said "I would think so".

"Obviously he is a required player and I am pretty sure he wants to stay with us, I am fairly confident of that," Walsh said.

Thomas said he remained hopeful of playing in the Magpies' Round 1 clash against North Melbourne at Etihad on March 31.

"I had the moon boot on for a lot longer than I would have liked, but things are progressing nicely," Thomas said.

"I'll hopefully get a game this weekend in the twos, have a run around and see how I go from there."
 

23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Another chapter in Hudson story

The well-travelled Ben Hudson will enter his 10th AFL season this year at Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

BEN Hudson pauses briefly as he searches for the best way to describe his football career.

"Look ... I suppose you could say I have been around," the 34-year-old ruckman says.

Journeyman, perhaps?

"Yeah, that's a nice way of putting it."

It's a football journey that should have finished twice already, but has been revived for a stint at a fourth AFL club.

The well-travelled Hudson will enter his 10th AFL season this year at Collingwood after 55 matches for Adelaide, 88 for the Western Bulldogs and 18 last year for the Brisbane Lions.

There was meant to be a full stop after the Bulldogs.

But after retiring at the end of 2011 to return to his home state of Queensland, he was lured back to the AFL with a role to support the Lions' young ruckmen. There was meant to be another full stop after the Lions.

But then Hudson was enticed to the Magpies, first with a role as ruck coach to mentor young talls Jarrod Witts and Brodie Grundy, and then as a rookie to offer some insurance for Darren Jolly.

Hudson laughs when asked if he has trouble staying retired.

"I had planned to (retire) and I initially thought it (Collingwood offer) was for a coaching role of some description," Hudson said.

"I don't think Bucks (Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley) minds me saying I sort of laughed when he (told) me that they might be interested in me going around again at the meeting.

"I have enjoyed the AFL career that I have had. Obviously I've enjoyed it so much that I have come out of retirement twice."

After completing the AFL's Next Coach program, Hudson was instantly attracted to the coaching role offered to him by the Pies.

But he admits the prospect of pulling on the boots again took a little more convincing - before the competitor in him took hold.

"You feel a little bit like the heavyweight boxer - you say that will be it," Hudson said.

"Initially, I felt a bit of humour in it ... but you would be lying if you didn't say that competitive side of any footballer still burns."

Hudson was initially expected to play a supporting part at the Lions last year, but injuries to Matthew Leuenberger saw him play a much greater role.

He played 18 matches, finishing just outside the AFL's top 10 for hitouts and hitouts to advantage.

Even still, Hudson again had to get his mind - and body - around the thought of another pre-season.

"I'd be lying if I didn't say I was over in Utah thinking, 'What am I doing over here?'," he said.

Hudson says he is happy to play whatever role Buckley and the Magpies require - as a back-up for Jolly, or a back-seat to the young talls.

"I suppose Daz has played a major role for the last few years so, obviously managing all what he can and can't do, he'll play the lion's share," Hudson said.

"If the young guys come along, which they expect them to do, I'm not too frightened to say, 'Look, for the progress of the footy club and their footy they should certainly get their hand up'.

"But at the end of the day, that is Bucks' decision. I will just stay fit and healthy and if I am needed to play, be that at the VFL level or AFL level, I will put my hand up.

"When you get to my age, you don't set too many goals."

The 208cm Witts (2011 draft) and the 202cm Grundy (2012 draft) remain in the early days of their ruck development, but Hudson sees plenty in the pair.

Asked if he could see his own playing journey extending beyond this season, Hudson said: "I'm pretty sure it's not going to go any further than six months.

"I have to say that I am pretty lucky to have this role, I think it works well.

"You still get to be involved with the players, but at the same time when the training gets too hard, you can just put on your coach's jumper and stand on the sidelines.

"I am just easing into retirement, permanently."

23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

The SuperCoach 10 Commandments

Brent Moloney could be one of the SuperCoach steals of the year. Source: Getty Images

SOMETIMES in life you have to take a small step back in order to make a giant leap forward.

So in our continuing quest for the Holy Grail of SuperCoach - the secret formula for success - we must look back to the days before Suns and Giants walked on the land.

We speak of a time where draftees of all colours ruled, where guns were allowed to prosper and mid-range players were not taboo.

Of a time when sliders were given a second chance and players returning from injury were welcomed back with open arms.

These were the good old days, times where the fortunes of SuperCoaches across the globe were not a Kevin Sheedy swing of the axe away from peril.

The basic guns and rookies formula will continue to form the skeleton of your team, but as Champion Data's fantasy guru Louie Kebakovski confirms, the mid-range player is now to SuperCoaches what clothes were to Adam and Eve - desirable.

"I think this year there's room for a mid-pricer," Kebakovski said. "With more trades to play with, I think you can afford to take a punt on some of these guys early on and there are plenty to choose from."

But a SuperCoach's best-laid plans for the season ahead will come to naught unless you get your starting team close to perfect.

Preparation is the key.

"At the end of the day if you nail your team you've then got room to work your cash cows, make your money and upgrade," Kebakovski said.

"If you stuff your team up from the start - and I guess it's the same as every year - you're playing catch-up trying to fix it."

So get planning.

Using our 10 SuperCoach Commandments as a guide, hopefully you will rack up scores of biblical proportions.

1 - THOU SHALT CHOOSE DRAFTEES WISELY

Selecting the right rookies is, and forever will be, key to SuperCoach success.

The ability to nurture a batch first or second year players in to fat, juicy cash cows is the only way we can litter our sides with premiums at season's end.

Greater Western Sydney's Lachie Whitfield was the standout draftee, but Champion Data's Louie Kebakovski said there may be better value out there for us.

"Unfortunately this year some of the draftees are a bit more pricey than your conventional rookies, with the exception of Jack Viney," Kebakovski said.

"Ollie Wines, Lachie Whitfield, Jimmy Toumpas, they'll play early but they're all $150,000 plus. So you've got to weigh that up."

Harry Cunningham played Sydney's first game last year but was not seen for the rest of the season. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph

2 - THOU SHALT NOT FALL FOR THE ROUND 1 BOLTER

We do it every year - panic ourselves into selecting whichever debutant is selected by his club in Round 1.

Harry Cunningham, a popular choice last year, debuted for Sydney against GWS in the season opener.

He didn't play again.

"Trust your gut," Kebakovski said.

"Clubs aren't going to debut every player in Round 1. Look at GWS last year. Adam Treloar came in in Round 3, played the rest of the year and played well."

If you'd picked him at the start of the year and sacrificed that bench position early, you wouldn't have had to burn a trade.

3 - HONOUR THY MATURE-AGED RECRUIT AND RECYCLED PLAYER

Some fads come and go.

Yo-yos, roller blades, hypercolour T-shirts, spokey dokeys.

But one that will forever be in fashion is the mature-aged recruit in SuperCoach.

Dayne Zorko was the success story of last year.

Kane Mitchell, winner of the 2012 Sandover Medal, could be this year's after an impressive NAB Cup for Port Adelaide.

Elsewhere, Brett Goodes (brother of Adam) appears set to slot in to the Western Bulldogs defence, while Dees trio Dean Terlich, Matt Jones and Dean Kent could all feature.

Throw in recycled talent Lewis Stevenson and Campbell Heath (P.A), as well as Ricky Petterd, Sam Lonergan and Chris Knights (Richmond) and you fast realise there are plenty of cheap picks out there.

Dual position players such as Dean Cox are essential for SuperCoach success. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

4 - REMEMBER TO KEEP HOLY THE DUAL POSITION PLAYERS

Want to cover injuries, suspension and selection surprises, all without having to give up precious trades?

Pick dual position players on every line of the field.

"It just gives you flexibility," Kebakovski said.

"Let's say, for example, Travis Cloke goes out for a week and you've got Dean Cox in your ruck line.

"If another dual-position ruck in the forward line who is playing regularly you can flick Cox down to cover Cloke and you won't have to put up with a zero."

That said, players such as Patrick Dangerfield and Brett Deledio have lost their dual position status this year.

Kebakovski says not to worry.

"If you want them, just pick them."

5 - THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE EXTRA MIDFIELDERS IN VAIN

This season you need to choose eight starting midfielders instead of just six.

But don't freak out.

"You've just got to think about it as being last year's structure," Kebakovski said.

"What you're essentially doing is taking a premium player out of your defence and your forward line and putting them in to your midfield."

The Champion Data guru said there was no reason why you couldn't pick six premium midfielders from the outset.

"The midfield is where games are won," he said.

"If you can have six midfielders who can average 100-plus for you every week, there's 800 points there, if not 900 with your captain. It's almost half of your score."

6 - COVET THY MINI DRAFTEES

The "Big O", Orren Stephenson, was all the rage 12 months ago.

This time another "O", Jaeger O'Meara, is set to become every SuperCoach's best friend.

Kebakovski said he would even pick the Suns youngster over No.1 draft pick Whitfield.

"He's cheaper, likely to play a few more games and he's had an extra pre-season so he's further developed," he said.

O'Meara and Adelaide's Brad Crouch finally get to play almost 18 months after being selected in the GWS mini-draft.

But as Crouch jostles for a starting berth with the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Rory Sloane, the "Jaeger Bomb" is the safer bet.

Brent Moloney could be one of the SuperCoach steals of the year. Source: Getty Images

7 - THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS TO SLIDERS NOR THE INJURED

Brent Moloney fell off the SuperCoach radar last year, but is set to hit back with a bang now that he's a Lion.

A best-and-fairest winner at Melbourne in 2011, Moloney fell out of favour with Mark Neeld and in 15 games fell from averaging 99 points a game to just 68.

At $362k, the 29-year-old is a steal, while Carlton's Chris Yarran (also $362k, down from $473k last year) is another to consider.

Don't forget last year's injury-plagued players either.

West Coast's Josh Kennedy (was $470k, now $300k) and Mark LeCras ($468k, now $369k) stand out like beacons.

8 - FEAR NOT THE ROLLING LOCKOUT, BUT THOSE THAT SEEK TO EXPLOIT IT

The rolling lockout that once only existed for the Easter round and Anzac Day is now a permanent feature.

So basically you are free to chop, change and trade players right up until their game starts.

It will reward those who stick to their SuperCoach guns all weekend - and possibly end a few personal relationships along the way.

"You've got to make the most of the rolling lockout," Kebakovski said.

"Not everyone's going to sit by their computer or phone and wait for the teams to be announced 90 minutes before the game to see who's the sub and who's an emergency."

"If you've got Brad Hill, for example, and he's made the sub, but you've got player X on your bench who you know is going to play, just make the swap."

9 - THOU SHALT NOT FEAR THE BYE ROUNDS

In 2011 it was terrifying. In 2012 it was annoying, but this year the bye is not to be feared.

Six teams each take a break in Rounds 11-13, but throughout that three-week period scores of only 18 of your players will count.

"You still need some sort of planning. You don't really want to have 14 players from three teams who all have the bye in the same week," Kebakovski said.

"But it all depends what you want to do. If you're going for the league win, then it might not really matter. But if you're going for overall glory, then you need to think about it."

Scott Pendlebury's injured leg wouldn't be an issue for SuperCoaches this year, thanks to the extra trades available. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

10 - HONOUR THE ART OF PATIENCE

We each have six more trades, 30 in total, but that's no excuse for rash decisions.

"You still need to be patient," Kebakovski said.

"You don't want to get in to the trap of thinking 'OK, I've got six extra trades this year, I can take a few more risks'.

Before you know it you're down to 10 trades and it's not even Round 12.

"If you're patient then at the end of the year, on 50-50 decisions, you can make the call to trade."

But the extra trades do allow you to cut off an injured star facing an uncertain road to recovery, such as Scott Pendlebury (leg) and Lance Franklin (hamstring) last year.

"Now you can look at using one of those trades in situations like that."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Zaharakis set for Round 1 return

David Zaharakis got through Essendon's practice match unscathed on Friday. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON midfielder David Zaharakis is in line to play Friday night's opening game despite a severely restricted preparation.

Zaharakis could be named in the Bombers' 22 to play Adelaide with less than a full game under his belt since the end of last season.

The 2011 best and fairest winner pulled up sound after playing three quarters of a VFL trial game at the club's new training headquarters near Melbourne airport last Friday night.

It was his first match practice since he reinjured a thigh muscle during training in January, forcing him to sit out the entire NAB Cup series.

"The last two weeks, we've really upped the ante and worked him hard. But he had a major quad (injury) last year and a recurrence, so they were very cautious with him leading into the season," football operations manager Danny Corcoran said yesterday.

The Bombers may opt to ease Zaharakis back as the designated substitute on the interchange bench for the AFL opener against the Crows at AAMI Stadium.

Zaharakis kicked a goal in the first half and ran at full capacity as one of 17 senior list players to contribute to the VFL team's big win against Bendigo Gold.

Jake Melksham is also available to boost Essendon's midfield stocks after a solid hitout following a broken hand in an intraclub game that disrupted his NAB Cup preparation.

"We haven't had match committee yet, but they are certainly in contention for selection," Corcoran said.

The Bombers can take a near full strength team to Adelaide. And forward Jason Winderlich is ready to rejoin training this week too.

Ruckman David Hille and defenders Kyle Hardingham and Tayte Pears were other senior players to tune up for the new season with the VFL team.

Injury-plagued key forward Scott Gumbleton indicated he may be ready to provide another tall option this season with another solid performance last Friday night.

Gumbleton, restricted by back and leg injuries in past years, kicked five goals from nearly a dozen contested marks in his second consecutive practice match.

The Bombers hope the 24-year-old can build on the consistency and remain fit for the early rounds with the VFL team to provide an option for Michael Hurley or Patrick Ryder in the Bombers' forward setup.

Essendon players, who had the weekend off, will train twice this week and the named 22 and emergencies will have another light run on Thursday morning before flying to Adelaide.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

McGuire plans to honour Mick

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire says he will drive Mick Malthouse's formal recognition as a Magpie great "when the time is right" despite their relationship break down.

McGuire said he was saddened his relationship with Malthouse had soured following the premiership coach's uneasy departure from Collingwood.

But in an interview to air on Fox Footy's Open Mike tonight, McGuire said he wanted Malthouse to be recognised for his success and contribution to the club over his 12 years with the Magpies.

"I am very sad (the relationship soured) to be honest. But I think it will come back," McGuire said.

"Personally, I was disappointed that there was such enmity last year. Both sides got emotional at stages because we were so close.

"I thought, and still think, that Mick's contribution was profound at Collingwood.

"When the time is right he will be made a life member and definitely a Hall of Famer and a legend of the club and I will be driving that because his contribution is fantastic."

Malthouse walked away from the Magpies after their 2011 Grand Final loss to Geelong.He was two years into a five-year "transfer of power" deal that was to culminate in three years as the new director of coaching after Nathan Buckley took the reins as senior coach.

Tensions simmered last year with Malthouse and McGuire locked in a war of words, notably after the former coach publicly questioned Collingwood's new game plan in April.

And McGuire raised the ire of the Malthouse camp in August when he said that he was so concerned for Malthouse's welfare in 2009 that he feared coaching could "kill him".

Asked if he thought he would ever "break bread" again with Malthouse, McGuire said:"I would like to," he said.

"From my point of view, yes. I would like to think there is more to the journey and the successes than maybe the end of it."

McGuire said he had no regrets about the way Malthouse's end at Collingwood was handled.

"The only regret is that it didn't pan out, that Mick didn't stay to be in the position I wanted him to be in at Collingwood," he said.

The new Carlton coach will face off against his old side when Collingwood and the Blues lock horns in Round 2 at the MCG.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Neeld's pride in Dees' stoicism

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has emerged from the year from hell. Picture: Robert Prezioso/Getty Images Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE coach Mark Neeld says his club could have imploded during a controversy-packed 12 months if not for the leadership of its board and administration.

Neeld stared down a tanking inquiry, the death of a much-loved former president, the loss of sponsor Energy Watch, a fabricated racism storm and an opening nine-match losing streak in his first year of coaching.

And he says he is proud Melbourne found a way through the turmoil.

He has been assured Melbourne's $500,000 tanking fine will not affect the club's football department spending and confirmed the banned Chris Connolly would return after 12 months' exile.

"Some of the things that happened last year and happened just recently (with the tanking probe) ... if we weren't organised well by our board and CEO and CFO who know what they are doing, we wouldn't be here," he said.

"Neil Craig and I went to the board (at the start of 2012) and said this is where our club is at and this is how we want to play. But we didn't paint a picture that said we will win four games, we will lose a major sponsor, and the president (Jim Stynes) will pass away."

Neeld was not watching Brock McLean's On The Couch July interview, but his club was quickly engulfed in controversy just when it seemed back on its feet.

"It is something that took place four years ago. There is not one coach from then still here. Our recruiting staff was different, our welfare staff is different, we have a different footy manager. OK, I am a work colleague of Chris and certainly there was a degree of empathy there.

"So I didn't want to know what people were saying, but the one thing I wanted to know was the worst-case scenario."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Caddy shrugs off expectations

Geelong recruit Josh Caddy is keen on putting his best foot forward at the Cattery. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun

JOSH Caddy is adamant he won't let external pressure affect him, even though he knows some people will always link him to Gary Ablett.

Geelong's high-profile recruit insists he wants to live up to his own expectations rather than ones that might come from outside of the club.

Caddy spent two years learning from Ablett on the Gold Coast before his trade to Geelong -- with the same compensation draft pick the Cats secured from the Suns for the Brownlow medallist.

"It's a bit ironic that it ended up being the pick they got for Gaz,'' Caddy said of his move to Simonds Stadium.

"When I was playing with him, I took on board everything that he was saying.

"But the way I look at it now is, if Gaz hadn't gone to the Gold Coast, I probably would never have gone to Geelong.

"Externally, there might be more pressure. When you put yourself on the open market, you have to live with that.

"But I don't think that means I will put any extra pressure on myself.

Caddy was one of the most sought-after players during last year's trade period, with a host of Victorian clubs chasing the inside-midfielder who was intent on moving back to his home state.

His form in the final practice match against Collingwood last Friday showed why _ he was near best afield in the Cats' big win.

Caddy chose Geelong for two reasons -- the club remains well placed to play finals football and, importantly, he knows he can learn so much from the Cats' experienced midfield brigade.

A meeting with Cats captain Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel during the trade period was critical to his decision.

Geelong recruit Josh Caddy has been in sizzling pre-season form. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

The pair made it clear they saw a key role for Caddy.

"It is very humbling to be told by Jimmy and Joel they want you to come to their club,'' Caddy said.

"I am not a superstitious person, but I just got a really good feeling from Geelong as soon as I walked into the club.

"I felt as if I wanted to be a part of the footy club and they had the ammo to be able to get the trade done as well.

"I watched the VFL grand final (last year) and Geelong's style of play and playing list really appealed to me.

"And I thought I can end up probably the best player that I can be by learning off those great midfielders.''

But Caddy is taking nothing for granted in terms of his status within the team, despite the high rating he has from those within the club and his performance against the Magpies.

"Like everyone, my goal is to be playing Round 1 against Hawthorn,'' he said.

"I make no secret that I want to be staying in the senior side. I don't want to be playing VFL footy.

"But I also understand that it is not going to be given to me. I have to earn that.''

Caddy makes no apologies for his desire to return to Victoria, though he feels a little guilty about leaving the Suns after two seasons.

"I do feel a little guilty because they had invested an early draft pick into me (pick 7, 2010 draft), so I felt as if I had let them down a bit,'' he admitted.

"But I wanted to make sure that Gold Coast was fairly compensated.''

He regrets a comment he made after the trade, suggesting he had not reached his potential at Gold Coast because his ``heart wasn't in it.''

"That was taken the wrong way,'' he said. "No matter who you are playing for, as soon as you run out to play, you put your heart and soul into it.

Recruit Josh Caddy (right), kayaking with Shane Kersten, has impressed the Geelong crew since joining the club. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

"What I meant by that comment was that deep down, I really wanted to be living in Victoria.

"When I was drafted, I was grateful to be picked up, but I think I underestimated how much I love being in Victoria.

"I'm a footy nut. I love the atmosphere and the whole footy feel, even at local level.''

After his first season with the Suns, an injury-interrupted 2011 that produced two games, Caddy was linked to Essendon during the trade period.

A complication to living in Queensland was the fact that his father, Adrian, had a heart condition that made it difficult for him to fly to the Gold Coast to watch his son play.

Gold Coast rejected Essendon's offers and Caddy ended up playing 22 games last year.

"My dad was a bit crook at the time, but it was blown out of proportion that I wanted to return to Melbourne for that reason,'' he said.

"Dad had open heart surgery last year and all went fine, so everything is OK with him now.''

Put simply, Caddy's desire to play AFL football in the game's heartland proved too strong.

He now feels very much at home in Geelong _ he shares a place with Billie Smedts and Mitch Duncan _ and manages regular trips up the highway to see his family in the north-eastern suburbs.

"I'm really loving it down there,'' he said.

"We've got a really good spread of young guys and middle-aged guys and we are lucky enough to have all those experienced players to learn off,'' he said.

"I've been able to learn off a number of different players _ guys like Jimmy Bartel in a contested side of things and at the stoppages, and James Kelly in terms of running patterns and reading where the next kick might go.

"Then there's Joel Corey, Joel (Selwood), 'Stevie J' (Johnson) and 'Chappy' (Paul Chapman). It's great to be able to learn from so many good players.''

Caddy is looking forward to meeting his former teammates -- Ablett included -- in the Round 10 clash at Simonds Stadium, which will be a showcase first night match in Geelong.

"There is going to be great rivalry between the two clubs, with Gaz going up there, with the first game at Metricon (in 2011) and now the first game under lights at our home ground,'' he said.

"At least the support will be with us this time around.''

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