CATS’ BACKLINE TAKES SHAPE
GEELONG backline mentor Matthew Scarlett has given the biggest hint yet that utility Mark Blicavs will return to defence to start the 2021 season — and he will be joined by an “exciting prospect”.
The big man began last year’s campaign in the back half before being sent up field to play as a midfielder and second ruckman.
Blicavs performed admirably in the midfield and was named in the AllAustralian squad of 40, but didn’t make the final team.
With Harry Taylor retired, Scarlett said Blicavs “might spend a bit more time down back” as the Cats try different methods to quell the opposition’s best key forward each week.
Developing big man Nathan Kreuger will also get a look at playing under Scarlett’s supervision, with the 21-year-old settled in the defensive group over summer.
The athletic leftfooter was close to selection as a forward at times in 2020 but is yet to play an AFL game.
“(Kreuger) has been really impressive in his first few weeks back there (in defence) and he spent a bit of time there last year, as well swinging into the front half, so we are going to try and settle him down,” Scarlett told the club website.
“He is a really fast runner, he can jump and take ‘speckies’ so I am going to have to advise him when to jump and take those hangers and when to spoil.
“He is a really exciting prospect, he is really keen to learn and like all the other guys he has come back in good shape so he has given himself a chance.”
With Blicavs moving back, Jordan Clark planning on establishing himself and youngsters in Kreuger and Sam De Koning hoping to break into the side, Geelong has plenty of defensive depth.
Adding to that, Scarlett has been impressed by draftee Nick Stevens in his first pre-season.
“I like the way he goes about it, he looks like a bit of a low-frills, competitive young footballer,” Scarlett said of the Greater Western Victoria Rebels product.
“I like everything about him at the moment. He is training well and I really like how he kicks the footy and he looks pretty competitive.”