Tuesday the AFL’s Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) academy program and senior coach Brad Johnson joined the Cats’ inner sanctum for an entire day of training at Simonds Stadium.

The AIS comprises of a two squad levels which both consist of 30 talented players from around the country.

The level two squad, who are 17-18 year-olds entering their drafting year, spent the day shadowing the Cats for a first hand insight into how a professional club operates. Senior coach, Johnson, and his junior playing group couldn't have been happier with the reception they received from the Cats.

“Every year we try and get around to as many clubs as possible to give the young men the opportunity to see different clubs and the facilities they’ve got - and it’s great that Geelong have offered up their facilities today,” Johnson said.

“It’s fantastic to have a look around and they’ve been so welcoming in terms of providing us access.

“We’ve been involved in meetings this morning and we had lunch with the players which was great. The Cats made sure there was space on their tables and the academy boys sat with them and asked them as many questions as possible.

“We watched them train as well which was good and now we get the opportunity to train on the oval as well.”

Johnson strongly believes this part of the academy, that enables future footballers to visit AFL clubs up close, is a vital and invaluable experience that only enhances their understanding of the game, as well as determining the direction they need to take to achieve at an AFL level.  

“I think all aspects of today will have a huge impact on the players because of the access that Geelong has granted thanks to Chris (Scott), the coaching staff and Stephen Wells to organize it,” Johnson said.

Johnson also felt that visiting an elite club like Geelong would have an authentic and inspiring impact on his upcoming playing group.

“Coming down here we know how good Geelong have been over the last seven or eight years, so it’s probably good for these guys because they only see from the outside all the time,” Johnson explained. 

“You watch two hours of vision a weekend, you may see it live or you may watch it on TV - so to actually sit in the meetings and for these guys to get a brief idea on the way that they’re (Geelong) trying to play and then see them train that way, it works hand in hand what we’re trying to achieve in the academy.

“The biggest aspect of footy these days, which has been mentioned a fair bit today, is the defensive side of the game, and I think they’ll take that away because naturally they’re the best kids in the country. They can attack well and they’ve got some high skills and they’re talented – so I think they’ll walk away probably thinking a little bit more about the defensive side of their game.”

A number of Geelong players past and present have started their AFL journey through the AIS academy program including, Cameron Ling, Joel Corey, Joel Selwood, Mitch Duncan, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes, Travis Varcoe and newly recruited rookie, Nick Bourke.  

“We just spent a good half hour in Geelong’s academy and Joel Selwood spoke of his experiences and sitting in the seat where these guys were. Mitch Duncan was the other one and Nick Bourke got up and spoke about his first preseason here, and Mitch was about travelling over here from Western Australia. They were great messages from all three players,” Johnson said. 

“Joel was more about the leadership and the way that he stepped into the club and wanted to earn his respect first before being liked - and it’s those sorts of things that the guys can take away from them… and then when they establish themselves with a bit of luck they’ll hopefully be in a similar position as Joel.”

Come April Johnson’s young squad will travel to Europe to take part in the annual challenge against the European Legion squad after their clash against Collingwood’s reserve team at the MCG, before the Hawks and Fremantle come head-to-head for round 1.