ONE DAY TO GO

an insight into Buzza’s personality. Given his ripper name and sensational locks, Buzza famously said that he did not “want to be the cult hero that is a dud”.

He then went on to rock up to pre-season training with bright pink boots during the 2015 summer. But that’s Wylie for you. “He is out there,” teammate Brandan Parfitt said.

“He says what’s on his mind. He’s pretty funny and pretty weird at the same time.

“He obviously stands out with his hair and being leftfooter, tall and big.”

Buzza was only travelling at VFL level last year. Drafted as a forward, he was used down back and in the ruck as the Cats tried to expose him to different perspectives and speed up his development. He did not exactly dominate in any position but his attitude to improvement meant it was not without trying.

But the penny dropped this year. Buzza was a standout during some VFL preseason matches and he took that form into the season proper.

Then the opportunity came. Buzza was a late inclusion to face GWS in Round 15 after Daniel Menzel hurt his leg in the warm-up.

He took that opportunity, kicking two goals and collecting six touches in the drama-filled draw. Buzza has not looked back since, playing six home and away games, including the past two in wins against Collingwood and the Giants. Perhaps the greatest insight into Buzza’s development came through one of Menzel’s Geelong Advertiser columns this year. In a lighthearted article about which reality TV shows were most appropriate to which players, Menzel said Buzza would be a prime candidate for This Time Next Year — a reality TV show that charts people’s ambitious transformations over the course of a year. “Twelve months ago, ‘Buzz’ was raw and looked so far away from playing AFL football, so he would be a great example for many,” Menzel wrote.

“He has developed and worked on his game so much that he has surprised many, including myself, and it’s a credit to him.”

Cats coach Chris Scott admits it will be horses for courses when it comes to team selection for tomorrow night.

Predicted rain and slippery conditions may not bode overly well for Buzza’s place, especially with skipper Joel Selwood set to return.

But it would be a foolish person to write off Buzza’s finals series if he does not feature against the Tigers.

The big kid with big hair, big personality and a cool name has continually proved people wrong after all.