2025 RECORD:\u00a0Runner-Up | 2nd H&A | 17-6 | 141.5%
2025 PICKS:\u00a019, 40, 60, 78
FUTURE PICKS:\u00a0\u201926 R1, \u201926 R2, \u201926 R3, \u201926 R4 | \u201927 R1, \u201927 R2, \u201927 R3, \u201927 R4
ACADEMY\/FATHER-SON NOMINEES:\u00a0Jesse Mellor, Ben Rongdit (both NGA)<\/p>\n
FIRST PICK:
Pick\u00a019<\/p>\n
Drafts are difficult to predict at the best of times, but in the most compromised crop we\u2019ve seen to date, that sentiment rings truer than ever. Geelong sits among that uncertainty late in the first round, likely with a view for scoping out an inside midfielder with its first selection.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll get the obvious links out of the way first. Geelong is known for looking local and is already poised to promote a pair of Falcons graduates via NGA ties, so why not a third? Namely, the region\u2019s leading prospect is Josh Lindsay<\/a>, a half-back who sets himself apart with elite foot skills and smarts.<\/p>\n The other pertinent link for Geelong is 191cm talent Oliver Greeves<\/a>, a descendant of Cats legend Carji. Aside from growing up supporting the club, he ticks the box of being an inside midfielder and is among the draft\u2019s most classy players when the ball enters his area.<\/p>\n Should Geelong instead target upside, perhaps utilities like Harley Barker<\/a> and Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves<\/a> are in the offing. Barker is a wingman in the mould of Ollie Dempsey, but will miss nearly all of his first year due to an ACL tear. Hibbins-Hargreaves is more of a hybrid forward whose talent alone is arguably of top 10-15 quality.<\/p>\n Another couple of around-the-square options in Geelong\u2019s hitting zone are Jevan Phillipou<\/a> and Oskar Taylor<\/a>. Phillipou, the brother of St Kilda\u2019s Mattaes, is a powerful mid-forward who runs all day, while Taylor is a daring half-back with high-end speed and foot skills \u2013 likely to be in high demand.<\/p>\n Otherwise, given Geelong\u2019s trade targets, perhaps key position depth is another area of interest. That brings Archie Ludowyke<\/a> into the mix, though GWS and Carlton are among the clubs also interested. Louis Emmett<\/a> is another option who could end up thriving in any key position post with his running ability and athleticism.<\/p>\n The Cats aren\u2019t shy of a bid, either. Suns Academy gun Jai Murray<\/a> could be a surprise option in this range given he suits Geelong\u2019s needs as a clean inside ball winner. Swans-tied prospect Max King<\/a> suits the Cats developmental recruiting lens, and offers the best of both worlds as an athletic 191cm mid-forward.<\/p>\n REMAINING CROP: Geelong is poised to make two selections in the National Draft, so will hope its NGA nominees make it through without a bid. Jesse Mellor<\/a> is the most likely to attract opposition interest, with the powerful forward offering aerial nous and support at the contest while being able to score in bunches.<\/p>\n Again, there are pertinent links like local prospect Hugo Mikunda<\/a>, an agile and crafty midfielder who could develop into a wing or high forward. Wingman Hunter Holmes<\/a> is another to consider as the brother of current Cats star Max, though many other clubs will be into his upside as a speed-endurance athlete.<\/p>\n A name lobbed up next to the Cats\u2019 first round pick is Fred Rodriguez<\/a>. The West Australian captain and MVP is a hard-working inside midfielder who kicks off both feet and brings it each week. Geelong\u2019s pick 40 is more likely his appropriate range, although clubs like Collingwood will also be in for him.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/ER-Oliver-Greeves-6-1024x683.jpg\")
Oliver Greeves could be a good fit for Geelong | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/p>\n
Picks 40, 60, 78<\/p>\n