Playing football at the highest level is never smooth sailing, whether that be for a team or an individual, and it is something that Ollie Henry has learned at the beginning of his journey. 

After two solid seasons to start his journey with Geelong, the 2024 Preliminary Final seemed to be the next step in his evolution, as the classy forward kicked four goals in the biggest game of his career to nearly drag the Cats into a Grand Final. 

But 2025 ultimately proved to be an indifferent season, with Henry only featuring in 15 games at the top level and kicking 14 goals, spending a large portion of the year plying his craft at VFL level and missing the AFL Finals campaign. 

It proved to be a turning point for the 23 year old, who went away and put in a mountain of work over the pre-season and earned his opportunity back in Geelong's starting line-up. 

To this stage of the year, it has been a major highlight for the Cats with Henry hitting the scoreboard in 13 of his 14 games, kicking a total of 25 goals which is the third most of any player at the club so far in 2026. 

Ahead of his 100th AFL game on Thursday night against Brisbane, Henry opened up on the challenges he faced and how the learning curve helped him to prepare and respond early in the campaign. 

"It was a challenge, and that was something last year that I found the most challenging," Henry said. 

"I spent this pre-season working quite hard on a few specific things, that would really help me with my footy and my consistency. That being generally staying as fit as I possibly can be, I think that is what has held me in good stead this year.

"Last year, my general fitness let me down. It probably wasn't bad, but it also wasn't helping me play my best footy.

"Confidence and consistency are very hard to come by in the AFL. I think especially if you are not putting your absolute best foot forward, you can almost be there and I think that is what I was doing a bit last year.

"I was doing most of the things right with my diet, fitness and training, but there was a few things I still think that I could have done better, like I am doing this year. I am putting myself in the best position to perform each week, I think that is what is the difference between some of my best and my worst."

Henry's journey started at Collingwood when he was selected with pick 17 in the 2020 draft, going on to play 25 games across two seasons with the Magpies. 

At the conclusion of 2022, he requested a trade to Geelong and joined his brother Jack, commencing a new chapter early on in his career. 

Now into his fourth season with the Cats, Henry has featured in 74 games in the Hoops and has proven to be a reliable threat in front of the big sticks, kicking 117 goals while consistently providing a presence in contested marking situations. 

Henry said that he is grateful for his time both at Collingwood and Geelong, with the 100-game milestone a chance to reflect while also building excitement for what still lies ahead. 

"Obviously I have been at the two clubs, spending my first stint at Collingwood before coming here," Henry said. 

"Now I am getting ready for my 100th game, I am grateful for both of the opportunities. Coming into Collingwood and getting that opportunity to start my AFL career, that was pretty special.

"Ever since coming to Geelong, I have just continued learning and loving football.

"I am pretty grateful to be sitting here with this milestone ahead."