Geelong Cats visit Terang College

THE Geelong Cats clawed their way into the hearts of Terang College students this week when senior players paid a visit to the school campus.

Terang College students welcomed members of the Geelong Cats to campus on Tuesday.

The Cats were in town on Tuesday as part of their regional tour of the south west, getting out and about to give back to the communities in the regions while promoting the game they love.

Cats Mark O’Connor, Harley Barker, Jack Henry and Nick Driscoll were all in on the visit, hosting a question and answer session followed by autographs.

They then ditched the classroom for the footy oval, having a kick with the students and offering their tips for the talented youngsters on how to enhance their game.

Mr Barker, the Cats’ first round pick from the 2025 AFL draft, said he relished the opportunity to give back as he is from a little town not too much bigger than Terang.

“It’s lovely to see the smiles on the kid’s faces,” he said.

Harley Barker held a marking contest with a group of students.

“When I was growing up, I remember little me running around with the AFL players when they came to our school.

“It’s good for the community to get the boys down here, to see the smiles and hopefully grow the game out in the country.

“It’s important to me because I’m from the country too, back home in Mount Barker in South Australia.”

Mr Barker said he was impressed with some of the football prowess on display at Terang College, wondering if perhaps the school may be home to a future first round pick of its own.

“There’s definitely some talent,” he said.

“I was kicking around with some boys and a girl and they loved it, having their own little marking competition.