Selfless team player Tom Atkins found himself taking on yet another role in 2022, returning to the midfield position that he excelled at in the VFL prior to being rookie drafted by Geelong in 2018. Atkins excelled in the role, and played a pivotal role in Geelong’s midfield, particularly stepping up and getting the Cats across the line in close games with his gutsy fourth-quarter efforts. Having previously played as a defensive small forward and then a rebounding defender, Atkins’ move to the midfield saw him average 18 disposals and six tackles a game, including a career-high 17 tackles against Adelaide in Round 11.
