The promising Cat, taken with the club’s final pick in last year’s NAB AFL National Draft and Geelong’s, will wear the No.23 jumper next season after inheriting it from another of the club’s father-son selections.
While seeing Donohue pull on the jumper for the first time was perhaps the final curtain on Nathan Ablett’s departure from the AFL scene, the 18-year-old hopes it signals his arrival as a senior player.
But the symbolism ran much deeper for the former Geelong Falcon – and also his family – who was among the youngest players taken in last year's draft.
Donohue, who wore No.25 in his debut season at VFL level, not only inherited the jumper from an Ablett but also from his own father Larry.
Larry Donohue wore the same number on his back for Geelong during 105 games from 1973 to 1980.
In that time he booted 339 goals, including a memorable ton of 105 in the 1976 season.
Following some post-season drinks with teammates, Adam Donohue learned he would assume his father’s famous number.
“When David King (Geelong’s property steward) told me I sort of gave him a big hug,” Donohue said at Skilled Stadium this week.
“It was a big relief. Dad’s worn it and he’s kicked 100 goals in it and done all that stuff wearing No.23.
“Most people don’t take jumper numbers too seriously but it means a fair bit to me … I’ve always worn No.23 as a junior.
“It’s always been a dream to do it and now it’s a dream come true.”
The player wasn’t the only Donohue thrilled.
“Dad was proud, I rang him as soon as I got told and he’s proud as punch,” Donohue said.
Adam, listed at 182cm and 83kg, is very much a different proposition to that of his hulking father who used to stalk the Kardinia Park goal square with a frame of 196cm and 97kg.
He won’t turn 19 until early next year and while he deemed 2008 – spent in a variety of roles but mostly in defence – a successful year of development, he feels he must produce or he knows he could be walking a fine line in 12 months time.
“I think if I can play one senior game (next season) I'm doing well,” Donohue said.
“It's the last year of my contract so I think if I don't play a senior game I'll probably be in a bit of trouble".
Assistant coach Ken Hinkley said Donohue had enjoyed a good first season at the Cats and could look forward to further improvement in 2009.
“He’s the youngest player on our list until this year’s draft … he’s got lots of improvement still to come but he’s really jumped into his work early this year and let’s hope he can go on and improve and become somewhere near [where] his Dad was.
"[He’s] probably not a 100-goalkicker, though!” Hinkley said.
