After six years in the VFL system, an emerging star believes he has the secret mix of Herb-ert and spices to make it at AFL level.
Geelong midfielder-defender Marcus Herbert's name is starting to do the rounds among clubland as the 2026 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft approaches, scheduled for May 26.
The Cats vice-captain and number 62 has played 62 games since joining the club from Coates Talent League side Greater Western Victoria Rebels in 2021. Since then, Herbert has grown to be a dominant force in the VFL, culminating in a club best-and-fairest win in 2025 and selection in the VFL state squad that travelled to take on the SANFL squad earlier in the year.
Herbert told Zero Hanger he uses the pain of being overlooked in previous drafts to motivate him each week.
"Yeah it's disappointing at times, but probably the main thing that keeps me going is the thought of playing at (AFL) level, but then also trying to put on show every game why I think I could and should be playing at that level," Herbert said.
"That's what probably motivates me is that I am getting overlooked, which is fine, obviously a lot of good players have been overlooked and it is what it is, but it just motivates me more to go out there and try play better every game."
The 23-year-old works as a personal trainer and support worker while living in Geelong. And although AFL clubs have spoken to him in the past, Herbert feels this is the most dialogue his manager Jase Farmer from Pacific Sports Management has had with teams in a positive sign for the future.
As many as five or six clubs have shown interest in Herbert. Currently nine clubs have spots available in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft with that number possibly growing as teams put players on their inactive lists due to long term injuries.
Herbert's recent performance against Werribee where he collected 34 disposals, seven tackles and booted two goals demonstrated his clear ability as a damaging midfielder. However, he also feels just at home breaking lines off half back as he described what strengths he can bring to an AFL club.
"Probably ball use and IQ within the team and the game, usually off a half back or as a mid trying to play the inside and outside role well," he said.
"Trying to hunt if I am on the inside, especially if I am in the midfield and if I'm not there, then trying to break lines and penetrate going forward by foot or by taking the ball under the wing and running and carrying a little bit.
"The wing is probably one I don't or prefer not to play full stop. If I am adding back and mid to my arsenal and then if I can be a goal-kicking mid as well, I think if I can play across those three lines, versatility is pretty sort after these days."
Having grown up in the south west Victorian beachside town of Warrnambool, Herbert had a childhood of duelling his brothers and mates on the footy field and the basketball court.
The Herbert family's sporting pedigree is well regarded, with his brother Liam representing Australia in the national under-17s side.
Herbert learned the tricks of the football trade at his local club and Hampden league powerhouse South Warrnambool during his junior years. Plenty of top grade talent came through the Roosters ranks as Herbert remembers fondly his time playing with mates in the red and white.
"Did most of my juniors at South," he said. "We had the likes of (former Collingwood player) Jay Rantall that was there and even the Stevens boys they have all gone on to play good footy and obviously George being drafted to the Cats, so there was a lot of talent getting through.
"Can't thank that club enough. I had a great time and was lucky enough to get back there on the weekend to play because Geelong had a bye, so it was my first game back there in five or six years. Good to put the red and white on again.
"I probably played more basketball than I did footy growing up and then slowly transitioned when I knew basketball was coming to an end that footy would be the number one. I've always played sport, I always will play sport; I love it."
Seeking enjoyment in his football has helped Herbert grow as a footballer and a person throughout his time in the blue and white hoops.
The 183cm on-baller said he believes there are plenty of mature age players in the VFL that could help AFL clubs.
"I feel like there is a lot of players out there either my age or older that are just ready made players that can go into a few sides and boost them," he said.
"Because there is a lot of young talent out there at the moment like at Richmond and (other teams) that probably need a few more years to develop, but I think if they got a few more mature-agers that would help for sure."
