Warrack’s Charlie Wilson and Horsham Saints’ Brayden Helyar have been trialing with the squad across the summer and have made it through several squad cuts.

The young duo who played with the Greater Western Victoria Rebels last season have a series of practice matches in the coming months to continue proving their value.

Former Edenhope-Apsley player Taylor Mulraney was also trialing with the Cats but was cut from the squad last week.

Since the disappointment of missing out at last year’s AFL National Draft, Wilson said he has been thoroughly enjoying the high standard of training with the Cats.

“It’s been tough to adapt to VFL standard but it’s been pretty good,” Wilson said.

“I’m actually loving it – the pre-season is pretty tough but you get through.

“It’s good having Brayden there as well, just having someone you know through the Rebels last year helps.”

Wilson – who has now moved to Geelong for the opportunity – said he was excited to be getting closer to a guaranteed spot on the list.

“There’s around 40 guys training in the squad right now, all fighting for a place,” Wilson said.

“Hopefully I’ll get a spot but I’m just focused on training with them for now.

“There’s a few contracts up for grabs in (Geelong’s) AFL side as well, so a few of the guys are pushing for that too.

“Hopefully there will be a spot for me.”

Wilson has also aligned with Bell Park Football Club in the Geelong Football League as his home club.

“It will be good to play there,” Wilson said. “It’s just a step below VFL so the standard is really high – it’s nearly rated as first in Victoria.”

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Wilson said the pre-season with the Cats showed him clearly which areas of his game he needed to improve.

“Obviously my fitness isn’t my main strength,” Wilson said. “I’ve probably needed to work on that for however long I’ve been playing footy.

“That’s my main focus at the moment.

“I had my tonsils out at the end of last year – but that’s all fine now. It was good to be able to get back into it and being able to train the last month.

“I’m still trying to improve all my skills and that sort of thing as well.”

Wilson said he was looking forward to the Cats moving away from the pre-season fitness work and into some more football-oriented training in the coming months. 

“It will be good to start playing and for pre-season to be over,” Wilson said.

“There’s not long left now until the start of the season so I’m looking forward to it.”