A shock non-selection in last year’s AFL national draft and AFL rookie draft, Kallen played at Sandringham in 2010 after starring with Bendigo Pioneers at TAC Cup level in 2009 where he won the Club's Champion Player Award for two consecutive years. Only one other footballer has managed that feat, Nathan Brown (Foots/Rich). The runner up to Kallen in 2009 was Dustin Martin (Rich). Both indicators of a fair pedigree.
At Sandringham, Kallen was runner up in the Reserves Best & Fairest (by 1 vote) and was adjudged their Best Player in the 2010 Finals Series. Sandringham is aligned with the St Kilda Football Club, where brother Jarryn plays.
Geary represented Victoria Country at the AFL national under-18 championships in 2009 and was one of that team’s leading players. Known for his strong work ethic, toughness at the ball and hard running, he will add plenty to the Cats team in 2011. At TAC Cup level, where he generally lined up across the middle, he averaged 25 disposals and 1 goal per match.
AFL youth and high performance coordinator Jason McCartney profiled the most exciting prospects from the NAB National Under 18 Championship matches in 2009 and made the following comment about Geary:
Kallen Geary – I liked Kallen's game – the brother of St Kilda's Jarryn. He played midfield/half-back and finished with 22 disposals, six marks, four inside-50s and two rebound 50s. He was clean, made good decisions and showed tremendous courage
Kallen attended Draft Camp in Canberra last year and set the course alight with his speed and endurance smashing the 3 kilometre time trial record with a lightning 9.43.
He is known as a hard small tough player. He does well outside and also enjoys the in-and-under role. An ability to run all day without losing pace is his key - he knows where to run – and has clean disposal skills at pace under pressure. Clearly, Kallen is very dedicated to his football and has learned much from his brother in the VFL and AFL systems.
Name: Kallen Geary
D.O.B: 30/05/1991
Nickname: Gearz, Gearbox
Position: Half Forward/Wing
Past Clubs: Bendigo Pioneers, Eaglehawk, Sandringham
Marital Status: Girlfriend?
Occupation: Sales Assistant
Career Highlight: Vic country U/18 championships 2009, 2008-09 B&Fs Bendigo Pioneers, 2010 Runner-up Sandingham Ressies and Best Finals Player
Best AFL player seen: Jack Stevens
Most embarrassing football moment: Missing from the goal square
Superstitions: Have to wear a mouth guard
Biggest Influence on your career: Brad Howard
Favourite Meal: Rabbits' Food
Favourite Drink: Water with a touch of lemon
Favourite movie: Anchorman
Favourite band/song: Jason Deurolo oh ahhhhhhhh duluca heights
Sports you play outside of footy: Table Tennis Champion
Last book read: The Melways
Height: 177cm
Weight: 70kg
Prior to draft Kallen was interviewed by Warnie:
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why? Leigh Montagna - I believe that we play similarly and can both run.
What are your strengths as a footballer? Run, endurance, ability to read the play, attack on the ball.
What parts of your game would you like to improve? Tackling, kicking, overall strength.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them? St Kilda, because my brother plays there.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why? Dad when I was younger. My brother since he was drafted - he has helped me fine-tune areas of my game.
Last Modified on 29/12/2010 18:57