Ever-reliable midfielder Mark Blicavs has enjoyed another consistent year in 2023, one of just five Cats to feature in all 18-games this season as he closes in on 250 career games. 

The 32-year-old will look to be a key factor in Geelong’s 2023 finals push, as the Cats embark on a pivotal five-game stretch to end the regular season.  

As the AFL season reaches a crunch time in the race for a finals berth, the Cats will look to kickstart their charge towards September with an important clash against Fremantle this Saturday.

The Cats currently sit in eighth spot on the ladder, with just one game separating fifth to eleventh with just five weeks to go in the season.

Blicavs said that the mood is positive around the club, heading into a crucial game at GMHBA Stadium this weekend.

"The mood is still really positive; we've been saying that whether we win or lose we have to keep each week consistent,” Blicavs said. 

“We know that we have work to do, but we are really positive on what we can do.

"That's been a focus all year, each week trying to improve, trying to sharpen up and get better because the competition is tight. 

"We're at the pointy end of the season and it's exciting if you're a footy fan, I've never seen the ladder like this where anything could happen.

"It's a really exciting opportunity, but one we really need to focus on and we need to take it and continue to try and improve to win the games we need to make it." 

Blicavs has become a staple in the Geelong midfield over the past two seasons, averaging over 16-disposals and four-tackles per game this year while also proving valuable up forward adding 12-goals. 

The Cats will benefit from a string of home games to close out their season, with three of their last five matches to be played at GMHBA Stadium. 

Blicavs has an incredible 85%-win rate at Kardinia Park throughout his career and says that the team can’t wait for the challenge ahead of them.

"We are fortunate to have three out of our last five games here, we love playing here,” Blicavs said. 

“It can get a bit cold and windy for opposition teams, but that gives us confidence despite having five really tough games coming up. It will put us in really good stead if we can have really confidence building performances against them. 

"Every game counts, you can see how close it is, and starting this week against Fremantle we have to be right on to get the job done." 

Blicavs has been important for Geelong in contested situations this year, winning the most contested possessions for the Cats while also sitting second for clearances and tackles. 

Contested football will be crucial for Geelong on the road to September, with the Cats set to face some of the best midfield groups in the competition. 

Blicavs said that despite the current log-jam in the middle of the ladder, the Cats are confident that their best football can match up against anyone.  

"I feel really confident that we have the team that can go all the way,” Blicavs said. 

“There are a few teams playing some really good football, it's a really tight competition and a wide-open race for the premiership.

Consistency for us is the key, trying to get everyone on the same page and being able to play our way for four quarters.

If we keep consistent during the week, keep our messaging consistent to our players it will start to rub off on field.”