From the Geelong Advertiser
Reported by Bradley Green
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Geelong midfielder James Kelly trains with Geelong's VFL squad. He is expected to return from injury next week.
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DALE Amos wants to reward his VFL-listed players for their outstanding seasons with a finals appearance next month.
A win for the seventh-placed Cats over Werribee (11th) under the lights at Chirnside Park tonight will seal a top eight berth for Geelong heading into next week's final round and Amos will again be turning to the likes of Ben Raidme, Casey Tutungi, Jack Hollmer, Jarrod Westwood and Kane Smith to achieve that.
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Amos said the efforts of the side's VFL players has been the catalyst behind the team's surge up the ladder in the second half of the season.
"The reason we put those boys on our list over the pre-season was that their attitude was first-class and that's translated into them playing good footy," Amos said.
"We've also had injuries early in the season which gave them the opportunity, but they've been able to adjust to the step-up in the level of footy and they've all shown they're more than capable of playing well at VFL level.
"They've become important parts of our side now and it gives the program a big tick of approval that those guys have been able to come on the way they have.
"Even the whole group, the first and second year (AFL) players have improved dramatically over the course of the year. They all know that by them doing their bit for the team on a weekly basis has helped to make them become better players.
"It would be nice to get it (finals berth) locked away this week."
Raidme is considered one of the favourites to win the Fothergill-Round Medal, awarded to the VFL's most promising young talent.
The 22-year-old midfielder has played every game this season and averages 25 touches a game.
Last year's winner was Robin Nahas, who booted 48 goals for Port Melbourne and won promotion off Richmond's rookie list and into the Tigers' senior side this season.
The Cats are looking to bounce back after last week's narrow loss to the Northern Bullants - which ended their six-game winning streak - but Amos knows the Tigers will provide stiff opposition tonight.
"They beat North Ballarat three weeks ago and Coburg last week so their formline is actually pretty strong," Amos said
