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Jimmy Bartel kicked 16 goals in 2013 playing largely as a half-back and now Geelong want to see what the Brownlow Medallist can do as a forward.
Hulking 105kg forward Tom Hawkins is aiming to build on his 49-goal AFL season last year and appears to be moving better this year after playing with a back injury in 2013.
But the loss of full-forward James Podsiadly to Adelaide leaves the Cats desperately seeking another marking target up forward.
The 187cm utility Bartel could be just the man.
“We’ve had a few different talls and (we’re) also experimenting with Jimmy down forward,” Hawkins told Geelong’s website on Monday.
“He’s going to be a really valuable asset to the forward line.
“He’ll still get his chance to play mid and down back at times, but he’s smart and a good contested footy player.
“He’s really experienced and that’ll help us because we are a bit of a young group.”
Norm Smith Medallist Bartel’s highly decorated 249-game career has included three flags.
The third of those premierships in 2011 was also the 30-year-old dual All-Australian’s most productive goalkicking season, yielding 26 majors.
Ruck/forward Nathan Vardy’s season-ending knee injury and Mitch Brown’s modest game in last week’s practice game against North Melbourne have left question marks over Geelong’s forward set-up.
Geelong’s 2012 club champion Hawkins kicked three of his side’s 10 goals in their nine-point loss to the Kangaroos.
Bartel didn’t play against North but has been used as a mobile centre-half forward earlier during the pre-season.
The Cats host Adelaide in round one at Simonds Stadium on March 20.
“I’ve had enough of practice games. I’m ready for the real stuff, so it’s really exciting,” Hawkins said.
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