The 2014 AFL season has seen a new generation of superstars make their mark on the competition – to celebrate, the AFL Players’ Association is calling on all footy fans to help pick this year’s 22Under22 team. Click here to create yours.
Never short of emerging talent, Geelong has a history of developing draft picks of all numbers and turning them into regular AFL players and stars of the game.
Geelong captain Joel Selwood caught up with aflplayers.com.au to chat about some of the promising young midfielders at Kardinia Park.
Cameron Guthrie
Guthrie is a skillful and balanced player who has played roles through the midfield and half-back since debuting in 2011. 2014 has been a breakout year for the former first-round draft pick, who has averaged 18 disposals and five tackles – the second-most of any Cat – throughout the year.
Selwood says:
“Cam is a really solid player at the moment that’s going to be an elite player before we all know it. It’s happening in front of our eyes right now.
“He’s the ultimate professional and he’s showing what’s required to be a really elite player.”
George Horlin-Smith
Horlin-Smith is a courageous midfielder with good poise and finishing skills. The 21-year-old has broken out to establish himself in the senior side after dominating the VFL in recent years. He has shown an ability to go forward, kicking 13 goals from his 18 matches this season. The South Australian was touted as a possible future captain by Joel Selwood at last year’s MVP Awards.
Selwood says:
“George is a really strong on-baller for us and he’s been able to go forward and kick goals this year. He’s been really important for the Geelong structure.”
“He’s just a professional in the way he works on and off the field. We look forward to George being a leader of this club for a long time.”
Josh caddy
Caddy is a highly touted youngster after being drafted to the Gold Coast with pick 7 in 2010. He is beginning to establish himself playing the majority of matches since coming to Geelong at the end of 2012. The 21-year-old collected a career-high 28 disposals – 16 contested – and kicked a goal in the recent win over Carlton in Round 21.
Selwood says:
“He’s a big, strong midfielder and a kid that’s really starting to learn the game and become a man in his own body.
“He’s very fun-loving. We really enjoy having him around the place. He’s been really good for our culture after he spent two years at the Gold Coast. We love having him around and he’s really good for our program.”
You can vote for Cam Guthrie by selecting him in your 22Under22 team here.