The Cats are ready to make use of new recruits Luke Dahlhaus and Gary Rohan in the forward line, with Geelong’s continual emphasis on pressure giving them both opportunities to make an instant impact in 2019.

Along with these new faces, senior players such as Tom Hawkins and Gary Ablett have been part time leaders among the forward group throughout the preseason, helping develop Geelong’s young attacking core of Esava Ratugolea, Tim Kelly, Brandan Parfitt and Quinton Narkle.

“The senior guys have been working really well. I rely on them a lot to sort of educate and teach, especially the new guys coming in,” said development coach Corey Enright.

“We’ve got some new guys coming in from other clubs and they’ve been able to bring some of the things they’ve found that have worked and haven’t worked.”

It has been well documented that Ablett is set to spend the majority of the upcoming season as a small forward, aiming to continue his contested prowess and develop his ability to pressure opposition defenders.

Ablett spoke in a recent press conference on the decision to move his game into the attacking 50.

“It’s been, I think, a big step up from last preseason,” said Ablett.

“We’re focused a lot more on our contested work and defensive pressure, which is two areas of the game we believe we need to improve.”

The upcoming JLT games against West Coast Eagles and Essendon presents a chance for players ‘that are pushing their case’ according to Enright, as well as the opportunity to test the team’s game-style in accordance with the new rule changes.

The match against West Coast will be held in Perth on Friday 1 March while Geelong will host Essendon at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday 7 March.