ARRIVING as the second Gary behind one of his generation's greatest players, Gary Rohan never stood a chance.

Set to share the forward line with champion Gary Ablett for large chunks of 2019, part of Rohan's early initiation was finding him a new nickname outside of 'Gaz'.

As is the case in most football clubs, the decision was taken away from the former Swan, with his new teammates given the final say.

LIKED THE LOOK Who impressed for your club in JLT2?

"All the forwards were just in a room and they had four characters (up on the board), red-head characters, and they came up with Chucky from the Rugrats," Rohan said.

"It's pretty hard with two Garys in the forward line."

"I was a Geelong supporter growing up, I watched his (Ablett's) career start here and obviously idolised him as a player and still do.

"I still pinch myself being able to play alongside him, Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins, Paddy Dangerfield, these guys that are freaks of the game."

Life as 'Chucky' started with a bang on Thursday night as Rohan booted four goals in a new-look forward line alongside Ablett, Hawkins, Tom Atkins, Esava Ratugolea, Sam Menegola and Luke Dahlhaus.

A former junior teammate of Dahlhaus' from the Geelong Falcons pathway program, Rohan has rekindled a connection with the small forward in the attacking arc.

Rohan also found himself as the deepest forward against the Bombers, part of the new rules that require one forward and defender to start in the goalsquare at centre bounces. 

RULES WASH-UP How your team adjusted in pre-season

"I kind of want a mismatch, because of my speed I usually play on a small so I can take them deep," he said.

"I've worked hard in this pre-season with the strength-wise, I've lost a couple of kilos, body-wise I'm feeling really good.

"I'm feeling really strong so I'm really confident to take people to the goalsquare and try and use my body."

Rohan will get the chance to do it on the big stage when the Cats face Collingwood in their season-opener on March 22 at the MCG.