Midfield switch delivers big pay-off for Cat

GEELONG VFL best-andfairest James Tsitas says he can take his game to another level next year after producing a scintillating season of football.

The Grovedale product raced to an insurmountable lead in the Cats’ vote count before injury struck against Box Hill in Round 16.

But his body of work had been a clear standout, and he was duly rewarded with the best-and-fairest.

“It’s a great honour. I thought I had a not bad year but it was good to get the win,” Tsitas said. “I was lucky to hold on in the end, ‘ Reidy’ (Ben Reid) was coming pretty hard.’’

The 22-year-old said he had no idea if he was on any AFL radars, but would relish an opportunity at the elite level.

“I’m happy with what I’m doing. If the opportunity comes I’ll take it with both hands but you never know,” he said

Last year, Tsitas played mostly in defence, but his move to the midfield this year has been inspired. He amassed back-to-back returns of 31 touches before his knee injury, which he has since overcome.

“Coming into this preseason, I had a lot of focus areas and I thought I improved on last year,” he said.

“Composure with the footy, contested ball — I hadn’t played midfield in four years, so just adapting to that new role — they were probably the main two.

“This year I played a variety of roles; up forward and in the middle, on the wing and down back. It’s showed I can play a variety of positions.”

He said he expected to spend more time forward in 2018.

“I’d like to play midfield but I know you’ve got to adapt at all different roles,” Tsitas said.

“I think next year I’m going to have a bigger crack at playing forward.

“Obviously you love being around the footy and that’s where I feel I like you have most of the impact, but I’m happy to play wherever the coach wants me to play.

“I’ve sat down with them and had a chat about my running over this little break.’’