Watching action videos with experienced teammates Steve Johnson and Travis Varcoe has helped Geelong’s Steven Motlop cement a place in the AFL premiers’ side.

Not Hollywood blockbusters either.

They’re watching each other’s games – analysing and breaking down each aspect to drive all at the reigning premiers to become better.

According to 21-year-old Motlop, it is an integral part of the secret of Geelong’s success at blooding youth under coach Chris Scott.

“The young guys come in and see the older guys – how hard they train, how hard they play,” Motlop told AAP.

“You’ve seen the success and what they do.

“All you want to do is impress them and get that respect from them.

“I was working closely with Stevie J and Travis. They sit down and go through your game with you and you get to go through their games too.”

Exciting wingman/forward Motlop is part of Geelong’s generation next – the younger players the Cats hope can replace recently retired Cameron Ling, Darren Milburn, Cameron Mooney and Brad Ottens.

Despite Geelong’s up-and-down start to the season, the seamless introduction of young players remains a feature.

Last season it was Mitch Duncan and Allen Christensen who emerged to eventually become premiership players.

This season Motlop, who has finally shaken off a wretched run of injuries, and players like Taylor Hunt, Cameron Guthrie and George Horlin-Smith are making their mark.

Another youngster, Jesse Stringer, will make his AFL debut against Richmond at Simonds Stadium on Sunday.

Three serious shoulder injuries – one in his Cats debut – have slowed Motlop’s progress in emulating older brothers Daniel and Shannon, who are both former AFL players.

But a superb snapped goal in last week’s defeat by North Melbourne showed he is on the verge of repaying Geelong’s faith, and rewarding Motlop for a pre-season in which he attempted to push his body to the edge in every session.

“I wanted to take my body to another level in the pre-season, and now I’ve got real confidence in it,” said Motlop, who has undergone two shoulder reconstructions.

Geelong have lost important defender James Kelly to a groin injury for the Richmond clash.

In the only change to the team which beat Melbourne last weekend, the Tigers have recalled pacy Matt White to replace injured Shane Edwards.

Both teams have 1-2 win-loss records – the Tigers above Geelong on percentage.