Press Conference

It is always a life changing moment when a player is drafted to an AFL list and Jay Polkinghorne was no exception, when Geelong selected him with their first pick in the 2024 AFL draft last week. 

Drafted from Norwood in the South Australian National Football League (SANFL), Polkinghorne is a medium sized forward that boasts an incredible highlight reel with plenty of high flying marks. 

Making the trek across the border, the 18 year old was joined by fellow South Australian, Jacob Molier as they relocated to Geelong this week with the first to four year players kicking off their pre-season. 

Polkinghorne said this week has been a blur, as he went from his farm back home in South Australia to GMHBA Stadium to commence his AFL journey. 

“It has gone really quick,” Polkinghorne told media. 

“Last week I was on the tractor, on the farm at home and then this week I am in Geelong at this amazing club. It has changed so quickly, but it has been pretty cool. 

“I had a few meetings with the club over the course of the year, at the combine and then another one with Stephen Wells and the recruiting team after.

“I had a bit of a feeling, but I didn’t think they would take me as their first pick. That was a bit of a surprise, so that was a pretty good feeling.”

Polkinghorne played 11 total games in 2024 for both Norwood’s reserves and their Under 18’s side, showing a brilliant scoring ability as he kicked at least one goal in all 11 games. 

With a reliable set-shot routine and great accuracy in front of goal, the 18 year old was touted as one of the most consistent forwards in this year’s draft crop. 

But perhaps Polkinghorne’s greatest asset is his vertical leap, taking some spectacular marks throughout his junior footballing career. 

The new draftee talked through what Cats fans can expect to see from him in 2025, and the areas of his game that he wants to improve on. 

“So I am a bit of a medium forward, I like to get up the ground and take a big mark, then try to use my running capacity to get up and down the ground,” Polkinghorne said. 

“Obviously my footy skills are something that I have to work on, then I want to become a better person, which with the help that we have here is something that I definitely can do.

“Improving my skills, my running, marking and kicking, all the simple things and I think that will come along good.”