On the eve of Geelong’s round one clash with Hawthorn, Corey ‘Boris’ Enright was posed the question: “Is this your last year?”

The champion Cats half- back laughed, “Yep, yeah, definitely.”

But once more, as the pointy end of the season rolls around, Enright is performing at such a high standard, which poses the question as to whether he may just go around again next year for an 18th season?

An 18th season or not remains to be seen, but yet again this year, Enright has reminded the football world that there is still room for football smarts and level-headed decision making as opposed to pace and kamikaze-like attack, in what has been another outstanding season.

At quarter-time of that round one blockbuster game against Hawthorn, Enright had again been everywhere, finishing with almost a dozen disposals and also accumulating intercept possessions at will.

That was only a bite sized sample of what to expect from Enright this year, but it spoke volumes that the great man had not lost any of his expert touch.

Throughout that game and the year 2016, Enright has continued to defy the odds and Father Time, and he has been a constant driving force from the backline yet again. A game that sticks out at me was in Round 2, when the highly-fancied Cats were opposed to GWS.

Geelong were clearly not at their best that day, with the ball-movement sluggish and the defensive element shaky at best in a 13-point loss.

The game certainly won’t be one to remember for Cats fans, or for Enright himself.

But when the Cats reached a point in the match where it was do-or-die if they wanted to mount a comeback, Enright sparked to life.

Watching the game I was baffled at how a 34-year-old was trying to drag his beloved side back into the contest.

His game wasn’t outstanding statistically - 24 touches accompanied by 6 defensive 50 rebounds - but it was the fact that on a poor day for most Geelong players, it was Enright who tried to ignite a lethargic team.

That said to me that maybe this year wasn't going to be Enright’s swan-song.

Four months later, his 2016 season has been one to marvel at.

Enright’s 2016 averages, correct to Round 20: 

- 14.7 kicks (equal 3rd most in a season over his career) 

- 24.2 disposals (3rd best) - 3.9 D50 rebounds (2nd best) 

- 7.6 contested possessions (best) 

- 6.6 Intercept possessions (ranked elite in the AFL) 

Something tells me ‘Boris’ isn’t one to check his stats after every game, but boy he’d be impressed if he did. For me, living in Western Australia poses its set of challenges when following a Victorian club.

I’m often joshed by my friends about Geelong’s weekly game, knowing that they’ll get a passionate response. 

It’s from a fan who watched the game from his lounge room in Duncraig, but treats it as though he was sitting next to Chris Scott throughout the entire match.

Whether it be myself or Chris Scott, I’m sure we are all in mutual agreement that Enright’s form warrants that he should play on in 2017. 

We’ve all heard the story. A country-kid who hails from Kimba, SA, was taken in the 1999 Draft after recruiting guru Stephen Wells took a punt on him. Fair to say the gamble has paid off.

Throughout the latter years of his illustrious career, Enright’s legend has grown.

A player tends to hit the decline around the age 30. But like a fine wine, Enright has almost gotten better with age.
Regardless of whether he plays on into 2017, Enright is a half-back for the ages.

Sturdy, reliable and consistent, amongst an abundance of other traits. But one day, I’ll be able to tell my kids that I watched Corey Enright play, even if it just was from my lounge room on the other side of the country.

Throughout the recent weeks Geelong have hit some form leading into the finals, defeating fellow top 8 contenders Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs.

The Cats were too strong in those games, led by that man Corey Enright, who will no doubt in the coming weeks be asked various questions about his future and the possibility of venturing into 2017.

But one thing is for sure, Enright will defend these questions the way he has played for 327 games, he will read the oncoming play, get into perfect position and handle the heat with class and composure.

An 18th season or not, Enright’s 17th season so far has been just as good as any other.