Talented forward Josh Walker, whose late grandfather Peter played in the Cats' 1963 premiership, is among those rookies that are aiming to prove they're good enough for a spot on the senior list.
The 18-year-old took his first step to realising that dream last weekend when he played in the NAB Challenge clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
"I really enjoyed it," Walker told geelongcats.com.au.
"It was my first game for the club so it was a great experience for me. It was good to get the opportunity.
"Being a rookie I'm going to spend most of my time in the VFL this year, so to get a bit of a taste for senior footy, and learn what it's all about, was great. I took a lot out of it.
"In the first few minutes that I was on, the play was moving really quickly. It was all happening.
"It took me a couple of minutes to find my feet but then I got into it ok.
"The biggest thing to get used to was coming up against the bigger and stronger bodies."
A 195cm, 87kg key forward, Walker kicked 31 goals in the TAC Cup last year and was recruited by the Cats with selection 23 in last December's rookie draft.
He admits he's been really tested by his first AFL pre-season.
"It's been a massive step up from what I'm used to," Walker said.
"I've been tired and exhausted at the end of the days but it's been really enjoyable and I love being involved with footy so it's all good."
Walker's current focus is on getting plenty of the ball in the VFL and hoping that will be enough to win promotion to Geelong's senior list when a vacancy arises.
"Obviously I'd love to get the chance at AFL level, but I don't expect to," he said.
"I'll just work hard in the VFL and keep progressing and working on what I have to.
"I'll probably up forward and down back. I've played a fair bit up forward as a junior, but I've recently been doing a bit of work as a defender and that's been good.
"I'm happy to play at either end and see how it goes."
