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From The Sunday Age
Reported by Brent Diamond
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GEELONG'S mature-age forward James Podsiadly appears likely to be elevated from the rookie list and get a chance to play in the early rounds of the season proper after young forward Mitch Brown was recently put on the long-term injury list following a leg injury.

Podsiadly, a previous J. J. Liston Trophy winner and goalkicking machine in the VFL, helped form a potent three-prong attack with Cam Mooney and Tom Hawkins in an intra-club match in western Sydney on Friday.

The 28-year-old was a surprise addition to Geelong's team after being snared in last year's rookie draft, despite being previously trialled in the system at Essendon and Collingwood.

Football manager Neil Balme said the former Werribee Tigers captain was likely to play in the reigning premiers; pre-season opener against North Melbourne on Sunday after kicking 2.4 in the intra-club match and impressing with his strong marking.

"He's a bit older than the others (rookies)," Balme said. "In the NAB Cup, all of the rookies can play, so it's no problem. We don't feel we have to make a decision right away but he's right in the mix."