Geelong has strengthened its playing list, adding five players on the second day of the AFL national draft.

The Cats selected Toby Conway at pick 24, Mitchell Knevitt (pick 25), James Willis (pick 32), Flynn Kroeger (pick 48) and Cooper Whyte (pick 64). The club also secured a 2022 third round draft pick in a trade with Collingwood. 

“We are excited to add these boys to our list,” Geelong’s recruiting and list manager Stephen Wells said. 

“We came in with a plan to draft some midfielders and apart from Toby, the other four are genuine midfielder types who complement each other, and the other players we already have at the club. 

“To be able to trade up and get pick 23 was important to us. It came on the back of some trades we did last year in the Jeremy Cameron deal. 

“Toby and Mitch, who we picked in the 20’s, had outstanding years for the Falcons and for the Vic country team. Cooper was a great contributor for the Falcons. We were very happy to pick them.

“Toby, like most ruckmen, may take a while to develop but with some established rucks at the club this will give Toby time to learn and develop his trade. 

“Mitch has some versatility about him. He’ll spend most of his time in the midfield, and he has the running capability to be a midfielder. 

“Flynn had some injuries, but he has a strong body and is a very tough competitor and he meets a need for us with our midfield developing group. James had a terrific year at north Adelaide – he had big numbers when he played and was able to kick goals out of the midfield.”

Conway is a 205 cm ruckman from the Geelong Falcons. He is highly rated and has received guidance from former club champion Brad Ottens. Conway has good endurance that allows him to move well around the ground and get involved in general play. He was named in the NAB league team of the year and represented both Vic country and the Australian academy team in 2021.

Knevitt won the Geelong Falcons best & fairest this season and represented Victoria country at Under 18 level. He was named in the NAB league team of the year as a well sized midfielder. Knevitt has excellent speed and endurance and is strong in the contest.  

Willis is from North Adelaide and is a fast inside midfielder. He is strong and powerful, moves well and has the ability to burst away from congestion. 

Kroeger can play as a midfielder or defender. He played his NAB league football with the Eastern Ranges and is a skilled player and a good mark. 

Whyte is a small forward / midfielder from the Geelong Falcons. He is a fierce competitor and aggressive and a proven goal kicker.  

Geelong has two picks available in Friday’s rookie draft.  

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