The South Warrnambool teenager is among a handful of Hampden league exports invited to Cats' pre-season training.

Marris, 19, is living in Geelong and has selected Bell Park as his feeder club.

He averaged 24 disposals a game for GWV Rebels in the NAB League - a statewide underage competition - playing as an inside midfielder.

But he spent time in attack when called up to Sydney Swans' VFL team.

"I had a chance to train with Geelong earlier this year which has been a good thing leading into this pre-season, already being familiar with a few people," he told The Standard.

"I trained this year in the forward line and learned a bit of forward craft with them so I'd say that would be my role.

"I am pretty open to playing wherever. At that level, if I were to make it, it would probably be as a forward.

"I need to continue working on my speed and efficiency kicking goals. You don't get that many opportunities so you have to make the most of your opportunities which is probably something I haven't done as well in the past."

Marris said he wanted to use his attributes - "pressure in the forward 50, work rate and endurance" - to stake a claim for a spot at the Cats.

He hopes to keep his midfield minutes ticking over at Bell Park.

"I have spoken to them about playing on the footy, that is my goal," Marris said.

"I'll try and get myself as fit as possible to give myself the best chance.

"My roommate Isaac Wareham (from Terang Mortlake) played there this year and I had a few chats to him and he really recommended the place.

"I had a meeting with the coaches and recruiting staff and I really liked what they offered and felt it would be the best fit.

"I get the chance to play with Isaac again too which I haven't done since 2019 when he was in Ballarat with the Rebels."

Wareham is also part of the Cats' state team, as is their other roommate Liam Herbert.

University will also take up a chunk of Marris' time.

He will enter the second year of a four-year construction management course at Deakin University.

He hopes there will be more face-to-face learning opportunities after COVID-19 restrictions forced most of his first year online.

Project manager is one of numerous options the degree can offer.

"It opens up a fair few pathways to go into which is probably pretty handy," Marris said.