Arguably 2023's biggest draft bolter, Oliver Wiltshire , is pressing his case for an AFL debut early into the new season as he continues to catch the eye for Geelong's VFL side.
Wiltshire was plucked out of local club Barwon Heads by the Cats 18 months ago, with the 22-year-old selected with Pick 61 in the national intake.
The selection was a stunning turnout on draft night as list guru Stephen Wells and his team made the move for a grassroots talent from the Geelong area, with Wiltshire's switch to Kardinia Park one of several fascinating selections made by the Cats.
Geelong had selected Connor O'Sullivan with Pick 11 on the opening night of the count, with mature-aged additions Shaun Mannagh and Lawson Humphries taken in the later rounds, and now hold key roles under coach Chris Scott alongside O'Sullivan.
The Cats also acquired AFL Academy members Mitch Edwards and George Stevens at the draft, rounding out a busy draft window for Wells.
But it was the pick of Wiltshire that had most talking, with Wells looking outside of the traditional talent pathways to promote the zippy half-forward from the local scene.
"We just always try to do what is in the best interests of the footy club, and the Geelong region is a great footy area and the different leagues down, there's players that develop at different rates," Wells said on the night.
"This year Ollie Wiltshire, who came through the Bellarine Football Netball League, he actually had a couple of games at the Geelong Falcons a couple of years ago and didn't go quite so well, but his performances over the last two years and this year in particular has been outstanding.
We're eager to witness his growth; there’s tremendous potential ahead. However, it's clear that Geelong boasts significant talent, evident to all observers.
A pelvic injury restricted Wiltshire's debut season with Geelong, where he managed only seven games at the VFL level due to the setback affecting the latter part of his 2024 campaign.
Following his second preseason with the club dressed in blue and white, Wiltshire has emerged as one of the standout performers in the state league this season. The Cats maintained their flawless 3-0 record when they secured a victory against Casey last Friday.
In the 16-point win, Wiltshire was among the six players from the Cats' reserves who managed to kick multiple goals. He also contributed significantly with 23 touches, nine opportunities leading to scores, 11 contested possessions, four entries into the forward fifty, and four interceptions.
The outing added to Wiltshire's strong season-opener against Sandringham, with the 180cm forward booting 3.4 from 17 disposals in what was a blistering start to his second campaign at the club.
Wiltshire couldn't participate in Round 2 against the opponent. Northern Bullants Following his selection as an emergency for Geelong's match against Brisbane in the AFL the previous week.
Despite Geelong’s win against Melbourne in Round 4, he might still be considered for an AFL spot. This comes as Wiltshire puts increased pressure on Geelong’s front line of smaller forwards.
The incumbent contingent of Tyson Stengle , Gryan Miers , Bradley Close and Oliver Dempsey isn't going to make it simple for Wiltshire to secure a spot in the senior team, though Ted Clohesy And the mentioned Mannagh have also shown their capabilities as valuable upfront contributors.
Wiltshire isn't alone in knocking on the door for a potential debut at Geelong, with fellow 2023 draftee George Stevens Among the top performers for the Cats at the VFL level throughout their unbeaten beginning to the season.
Stevens polled 15 coaches votes across the opening two wins and was dominant against Casey, collecting 27 disposals, 11 clearances, 16 contested possessions and seven score involvements as a big-bodied onballer who can also shift to a defensive post.
The promising form of both Wiltshire and George adds to what is shaping as a successful 2023 draft class for the Cats, with O'Sullivan emerging as a Rising Star contender this year while Humphries and Mannagh add to promising maiden seasons.