DRAFTEE Dean Gore is right in the mix to play in Geelong's opening NAB Challenge match against Gold Coast in Townsville on March 1 after some eye-catching recent training form. 

The strongly-built South Australian midfielder, who was the Cats' third selection (No. 55 overall) in last year's national draft, has used his 86kg frame and his great skills to make a positive impression on his teammates and coaches. 

"His training has been really consistent," midfield coach Matthew Knights told geelongcats.com.au. "He's been able to do virtually everything on the training track and in the gym. 

"He basically hasn't missed a session, which has enabled him to show some really good stuff on the track. 

"Some of his disposal, especially his kicking, has been very, very good for a first-year player, and his adaption to the training loads has been good also. 

"He's a fairly quiet lad, but he's starting to come out of his shell and talk up in meetings and give his input on the game and his understanding of our game-style. So he's adapting really well." 

Having started his footy career with the Hahndorf Magpies in a grassroots competition on the outskirts of Adelaide, Gore moved to SANFL club Sturt in his mid-teens. 

He made 12 appearances in the Double Blues' senior side last season and also played a key role in helping South Australia win the national under-18 championships, averaging 15 disposals, seven tackles and three clearances per game. 

In recent weeks, as the Cats have stepped up their match-simulation drills, Gore has found himself doing battle with some of the biggest names in the game. 

"His body-size has allowed him to compete really well at training," Knights said. 

"He's been playing a lot in the midfield at times during training, which means he's up against good-sized lads like Josh Caddy, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel and guys like that. 

"He'd be the first to say he's on a pretty steep learning curve with the movement around the stoppages and his understanding of what's going on, but his size has enabled him to be very competitive. 

"By doing that, he's won a bit of his own ball and has showed us what he can do." 

Gore, who has been working closely with Knights, fellow midfield coach Nigel Lappin and new VFL coach Paul Hood, has revelled in his introduction to footy at the highest level. 

"Backing up day after day is tough, but I love what I'm doing," the 18-year-old said. "I'm learning so much every day from all these awesome players. 

"All of the players have helped me out a bit, but James Kelly and Josh Caddy have helped me the most, I'd say. 

"Just focussing on training at the moment and doing everything I can to prove myself every day. 

"But I'm here to play AFL footy, so I'll be doing everything I can to do that." 

Gore and his former Sturt teammate Tom Read, a ruckman who was chosen by Geelong in the rookie draft, will spend the year living with a host family not far from Simonds Stadium. 

Read is something of a long-term project for the club, but Gore, who will wear No. 15 this season, is quietly confident that he will get some game-time during the NAB Challenge. 

"I'll just have to put my best foot forward and see what happens," he said. 

Added Knights: "Being a first-year player, it's a tough ask for him to get NAB Challenge time, because there's plenty of players in front of Dean at the moment. 

"We won't know until three or four days before the first game who will play, but his training form is good, so that's a positive."