Geelong forward Jay Polkinghorne prepares for his first AFL elimination final

Geelong forward Jay Polkinghorne enters his first AFL elimination final against Carlton this Friday night at GMHBA Stadium. The 20-year-old debutant has recorded 13 goals across six games since his round 19 debut, including three-goal hauls against Collingwood and North Melbourne. Polkinghorne attributes much of his professional development to mentorship from Melbourne forward Kade Chandler, a fellow native of the remote South Australian town of Penong. Chandler facilitated Polkinghorne’s transition to Prince Alfred College in Adelaide, an opportunity that exposed the young player to consistent training standards and AFL recruitment pathways. After overcoming an early knee injury that sidelined him during his draft year, Polkinghorne secured his spot on the Geelong list following a successful stint in the Norwood reserves.

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