Former Kangaroo Hamish McIntosh is determined to establish himself as the Cats' top ruckman. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun
GEELONG recruit Hamish McIntosh has backed himself to emerge from his recurring injury nightmare and restore the Cats' midfield supremacy.
McIntosh, 28, has been restricted to eight games in two years because of achilles operations on both tendons and in August had LARS surgery on his right knee.
But the former North Melbourne ruckman said he would be ready to fill the void left by Brad Ottens' retirement in 2011.
"I'll be ready for day one of pre-season," McIntosh told the Herald Sun after signing a three-year contract with the Cats.
"The knee is feeling really good. I'm back running and doing a fair bit of training. I'll get the work in and be right to go next year.
"It's probably been a rough couple of years for me, personally, but I'm looking forward to getting back on the park and helping out in whatever way I can."
Geelong yesterday cleared the path for McIntosh's arrival by giving its second round pick (No.36) to the Kangaroos.
I'm just looking forward now to getting down there and restarting my career
On a busy day for the Cats, the deal was struck moments after they agreed on a two-year contract for Melbourne's unrestricted free agent, Jared Rivers.
McIntosh admitted to a bittersweet feeling after being told he was a Geelong player.
"I'm excited in one aspect to be playing at Geelong, but I love North Melbourne - they've been like a family to me," he said.
"I'm just looking forward now to getting down there and restarting my career. It was a tense couple of weeks, but it's good to get there."
Rivers, 28 yesterday, was courted by the Cats for much of the free agency period and will add depth to a defensive unit that has lost star full-back Matthew Scarlett.
The arrival of the experienced pair thrusts Geelong into premiership contention for 2013.
Yesterday's confirmed capture of Gold Coast youngster Josh Caddy and the retention of its first round pick (No.15) also has it well placed for the future.
The acquisition of McIntosh spells the end of the Orren Stephenson fairytale. The 30-year-old ruckman will be delisted as the Cats look to make room on their list.
Young forward Mitch Brown is on the trade table, but is contracted and likely to stay, while defender Tom Gillies will be moved on.
The free agency period ends at 5pm today.
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