Tom Atkins’ five-year journey from VFL into AFL is paying off in the best way possible, as he establishes his place within Geelong’s best 22 for AFL this year.

Although his route has been a lengthy one, Atkins is proving to be a strong asset to Geelong’s senior side. With a successful VFL career as captain and two-time best and fairest winner, Atkins has moved onwards and upwards to bigger things.

Unlike the traditional TAC Cup pathway into the AFL, Atkins joined Geelong’s VFL Development Program in 2014, with his continuous dedication to the squad showcasing his true resilience and persistence as a player.

Despite multiple country clubs competing to pay top dollar for the talented midfielder, Atkins’ loyalty to Geelong has remained consistent throughout his football career.

With 19 AFL games now under his belt in a successful season so far, Atkins says he is grateful for the VFL program providing the opportunity to finally play on the senior side.

“I probably didn't expect to play as many games as I have. I've been very fortunate that I've been able to hold my spot, it's been great so far," Atkins said.

“I think for sure if I hadn't been in the VFL, I definitely wouldn't be here now. It’s been a massive part of my development, being exposed to AFL coaches at such a young age helped me progress quicker than I would have if I was just playing local footy.”

Tom Atkins in action for the Bendigo Bank Cats in 2016.


The tackling machine has strengthened Geelong’s midfield significantly, ranking seventh in the league for inside 50 tackles and playing an integral role in preventing the ball from leaving Geelong’s forward 50.

Despite his successful integration into the senior side, Atkins knows there is still much to learn as he grows as a player, taking advice from his experienced teammates and coaches whenever he can.

“I've played as a forward before but it’s just a completely different ball game playing at AFL level. Definitely for parts of the year I've felt lost and I've relied on the other players a lot to guide me back to what I need to do, it’s all a learning experience."

Atkins has worked closely alongside forward’s coach Corey Enright and paid tribute to the Boris’ influence in his development this year."

"Boris has been unreal, he's a really caring coach. The things that he's taught me and the other forward group this year have been so valuable and in terms of reaching my goals”.

Throughout his unconventional journey into AFL as a mature player, Atkins has learned of the importance of resilience, and believes in continuously trying to develop and improve as a player to accomplish long-term goals.

“It's not going to just happen overnight, it's certainly not happened overnight for me."

"It took me five years to be able to get to a stage where I might be able to play an AFL game. It’s all about the little improvements, we take them as wins.”

Alongside his successful football portfolio, Atkins is also a qualified accountant, having graduated from Deakin University with a degree in commerce. He says key values such as teamwork, unity and respect gained from his experience working in the office can also be applied on the field.

“You are all working together to achieve a common goal. We all have a role to play and we are all helping each other out."

Coming into finals Atkins is excited for the challenges that lie ahead, maintaining the importance of having high expectations and continuing to improve both personally and as a team.