Henderson frees up Blitz in the midfield
THE good form of Lachie Henderson in the backline is likely to see Mark Blicavs continue in his new role in the midfield for Geelong in the run towards finals.
An All-Australian contender as a defender, Blicavs has been sent up field to play as a second ruckman and wingman in the past five matches, a move that has coincided with the Cats winning four of those clashes.
Henderson was recalled for the Round 8 match against Fremantle that kickstarted the run and he, too, has impressed down back.
Geelong backline coach Matthew Scarlett said the ability of Blicavs acted as a new starting point of the defence.
“Having Blicavs in there has been amazing for the team,” Scarlett said.
“He has a big advantage on the ruckmen he plays against. He’s probably not as big as the ruckmen, but once the ball hits the ground he is like an extra midfielder for us.
“Because he values defence, he gets back and supports his mates really well and he can also go forward and hurt the opposition as well.”
Geelong has averaged only 52.8 points against in the run of five matches.
While Scarlett said the backline had locked down well, when he sees the midfield putting on pressure early in a match, he knows the defenders will have an easier game ahead.
“It starts with our energy around the footy, those guys in the midfield have a huge responsibility and set the tone for the rest of the team,” he said.
“When the backline boys see that pressure on up the field, it certainly makes their job easier. When I look out the (coaching) box and see that pressure around the footy, I know we are going to perform pretty well.”