Geelong welcomed seven draftees at the 2024 National and Rookie Draft. As they navigate their way through their first year in the AFL system, Geelong’s Rookie Journal written series will help you get to know some of the new faces at the Geelong Football Club and the stories that led them to become AFL footballers.   

Xavier Ivisic was the next player to sit down with Cats Media, as he provided insight into his footballing journey which ultimately lead him to Geelong. 

I am a Geelong boy, I grew up in Drumcondra on the waterfront and I played my junior football at Geelong Ammos down at Queens Park.

I was there from Auskick through to Under 16's, then I moved to Bell park because my Dad used to play there. I only played a couple of games there and then was lucky enough to get a scholarship at Geelong Grammar, I was there from Year 10 to Year 12. It was really fun, got a bit of a change going to a boarding school which is a bit different, but most days I was there from 8am to 8pm. 

I remember my first taste of football. In Under 9's it was my first proper AFL game, my first touch I kicked a goal over my head in the goal square. Ever since that I thought I had a couple of tricks, I was pretty lucky but that was a big moment for me. 

My junior career was very important, especially creating friendships for me as well.

Footy connected me with some of my best mates that I am still friends with now, so my junior days were very important whether it was at Ammos or Bell Park. It was such a fun time, just playing with your mates. 

When I was a bit younger I actually barracked for Geelong, I used to love watching Steve Motlop play. I don't know what it was but there was something about him, taking a couple of hangers was pretty special to me.

Then as I got older I just followed players more than teams, I loosely went for Essendon but not anything special. I liked watching the 'Bont,' just because he was a star and from there I followed individual players more than anything.

The middle of 2024 playing for Vic Country in the Championships was when I realised an AFL career might be possible.

Before that I was a little bit 50-50, but after I played a couple of good games for Vic Country I started to realise that it could be a possibility. I don't have to go to university which is nice, but those games were pretty special. 

Stephen Wells texted me, it was pretty close to the draft I think it was only a couple weeks out.

I didn't really have any expectation that Geelong were going to take me because they hadn't really spoken to me, but then a few recruiters came over and after that I left thinking oh wow, it would be cool to stay at home.

Then I was lucky enough to get my name read out in the rookie draft. 

It was really cool to see that I am getting paid to do what I love now, that was special signing my first contract.

It was surreal, I couldn't believe that the people I grew up idolising, I was now one of them. 

My family and friends have been really great.

My Mum and Dad are probably my biggest supporters, they ride the bumps with me and they would give anything for me to get to where I am now. It is good to be repaying them, giving it my best shot so it means a lot. 

Gryan Miers has been very good to me.

I have been doing a fair bit of vision with Gryan at the moment, trying to learn that high forward role to hopefully get out there and be half as good as what he is. 

Catch Xavier Ivisic and the VFL Cats in action this weekend, as they head to DSV Stadium for a clash with Williamstown on Sunday afternoon.