Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins on being dropped during the 2020 finals series
At the time, Tom Atkins thought it was the worst thing that had happened to him in his life. The hard-nosed midfielder reflects on a snub which reinforced an important lesson.
Geelong tackling machine Tom Atkins says being axed during the final series in 2020 was the “most challenging” period of his career.
Atkins was dumped for forward Sam Simpson following Geelong’s qualifying final loss to Port Adelaide and watched on devastated for three weeks as his side won through to a grand final, leading at halftime before suffering defeat against a Dustin Martin-inspired Richmond.
The tough midfielder has been a mainstay in coach Chris Scott’s side since, playing 22 or more games in every season.
Geelong veteran ruckman Rhys Stanley is racing the clock to return this finals series with his hamstring injury and was listed as a test on the Cats’ injury list on Tuesday.
Atkins, who turns 30 on Thursday, said that selection setback gave him a welcome dose of perspective.
“It was probably the most challenging thing I’ve had in my career. And if anything, it just reinforced that we’re just cogs in the machine,” Atkins said.
“The goal is for the Geelong Football Club to win a premiership. At the time I thought it was the worst thing that’s ever happened to me and it was a really challenging three weeks watching the boys win – I should be stoked that they’re winning, but I wasn’t there with them, and I found myself really conflicted.
“So it just gave me a bit of perspective I guess that you really are just a chess piece, to come into the team and try and have an impact.”
Atkins said the message remains relevant for the Cats’ long list of players waiting in the wings, including 2025 qualifying final emergencies Mitch Knevitt, Jed Bews and Ollie Henry.
Stanley (test), premiership defender Jake Kolodjashnij and ruckman Toby Conway (both season) are the only players on Geelong’s injury list.
“(Simpson) was able to come in and have an impact and that’s the mindset that our VFL guys need to have now. That if you are called upon, you need to be able to come in and contribute. And Sammy did that and hopefully if we have a similar case, that will happen again,” Atkins said.
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“There’s great guys who are playing VFL at the moment that could be in our team and those of us that are in the team, we need to honour that and play to the best of our ability, and respect the team and contribute to the team.
“So that mindset hasn’t changed for me, obviously, I feel a bit more entrenched now than I was then.
“But it’s not lost on me how hard it is to miss finals and watch your teammates go on and play. So you need to carry that through with you and do them proud.”
Originally published as Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins on being dropped during the 2020 finals series
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