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"Generational talent": Healy's big call on star young Cat
Jaiden Sciberras • September 9th, 2025 4:00 pm
Geelong’s Qualifying Final triumph over the Brisbane Lions was a total buy-in on all fronts, however one man stood above the rest in the eyes of Gerard Healy.
Strolling into a Preliminary Final following a comfortable 38-point win at the ‘G, the Cats were as defensively astute as they have been all season, conceding just 74 points from 47 entries, with three goals coming from direct – and somewhat questionable – free kicks.
Chris Scott’s defensive unit has been built via Geelong’s stellar recruitment, with just one player selected within the early stages of the National Draft.
Veteran and star Tom Stewart was taken as a mature age recruit at pick 40 in 2016, while Lawson Humphries was plucked at the 63rd pick in 2023. Both Jack Henry (Pick 16) and Zach Guthrie (Pick 33) were taken in the 2016 Rookie Draft, and Mark O’Connor was recruited directly from County Kerry in Ireland.
Geelong’s incredible ability to scout and develop seemingly unwanted footballers and turn them into top AFL recruiters is as sound as any system within the sport, however it was the Cats’ high-value youngster that caught Healy’s attention.
“Can I just make mention of this kid (Connor) O’Sullivan,” Healy told SEN Sportsday.
“He is a generational talent, and he is going to be part and parcel to that Cats lineup for so long.”
The 20-year-old key defender was selected with the 11th overall pick in 2023 National Draft and spent a majority of his rookie year in the VFL, playing just one senior game across 2024.
His early development paid off to maximum effect, with the 198cm defender playing in all but one of Geelong’s home and away games in 2025.
And in his maiden finals appearance, O’Sullivan mounted 10 disposals, five intercepts, four tackles and crucially – with the help of teammate Jack Henry - held Brisbane star Logan Morris goalless.
“They have absolutely (nailed their recruitment),” Healy continued.
“He and (Lawson) Humphries they have absolutely nailed – one in the draft and one as a rookie.
“And (Jack) Henry, I thought was back to just about his best form as well.”
Following their statement Qualifying Final win, the Cats stand in top shape to attack the depths of September, with a week break before a home Prelim against either Adelaide or Hawthorn.
