Young defender Jackson Thurlow is eager to secure a spot with the seniors but despite the length of the Cats injury list there are still more players than vacancies.

This Friday night’s practice match against the Roos will be a very important game for many young Cats, as this is their last chance to shine before Round 1.   

“There are a lot of spots that have opened up but there are also a lot of people fighting for those spots,” Thurlow told News Limited.

“There are a lot of people, almost a whole list, that are putting their hand up and ready to play (for Round 1).

“So we have one more game to put our hand up and train really well so we can get into the team.”

If the Cats could have it their way Round 1 would have started last week. According to Thurlow the entire team is longing to throw themselves into this year’s home and away series.   

“We really want Round 1 to start so we can get into the season,” Thurlow said.

“From that perspective everyone is really itching to get back out there and playing footy.”

At the end of 2013 Thurlow, along with Allen Christensen, underwent minor hip surgery and to his dismay was forced to have a shorter preseason.

Although, you would have never guessed it with his recent training efforts around the track and his last week’s performance against the Dees.

“Everything has been well. I had a slower start to the preseason,” Thurlow said.

“Myself and Allen Christensen had hip surgery, so I am back into the full swing of things now.

Thurlow, who was drafted in 2012 and made his debut in Round 7 last year, makes it known that he hates being away from the footy action. So fortunately for him he bounced back very quickly.

“It is probably the best way to be. Rehab wasn’t that flash ... you don’t get to touch the footy as much,” Thurlow said.
“But I’m back into everything now and I am feeling fit.”

At this stage Thurlow has no specific goals except to win that spot with the big Cats and keep it.

“I haven’t set out many goals as yet. But I want to get into the senior team and not get dropped. I think that’s my biggest goal,” he said.

“I’ve put on a little bit more weight and just having that extra preseason makes you feel a lot of stronger and ready.”