Brandan Parfitt continued his impressive form with another strong contribution in Geelong’s narrow four-point victory against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
The 25-year-old has been a key cog in Geelong’s midfield in the past three victories averaging 20 disposals, five clearances and nearly 10 tackles per game in the wins against Adelaide, Hawthorn and most recently the Western Bulldogs.
A premiership player in 2022, Parfitt was limited to just nine AFL appearances last year, but a combination of hard work, persistence and opportunity has seen Parfitt remind everyone how influential he can be.
“It has been tough for him but he’s a good example of really persisting and not dropping his bundle,” Senior coach Chris Scott said post-game.
“He has had a few niggles over the years that hurt his continuity a bit, but he had a great preseason this year that gave him every chance.”
“I think almost every side, if you’re the midfielder that’s the next one in or the second one inline, those guys are pretty good players.
“Every team in the competition has a pretty good midfield, there is no shame at all in being a little bit behind those guys and that is where he found himself, playing well enough to play AFL footy but just behind a pretty good group.
“This year it has opened up for him and he has taken that chance, and I am really proud of him.”
Parfitt is one group of talented young players who have thrived in the absence of skipper Patrick Dangerfield and two-time Carji Greeves Medallist Cam Guthrie, benefiting from the opportunity to spend more time running through the midfield.
That was evident in the victory against the Bulldogs last night with Jack Bowes, Tanner Bruhn and Jhye Clark all contributing to a team of all midfield performance.
Geelong will return to GMHBA Stadium in Round 5 to host North Melbourne on Sunday 14 April at 1pm AEST.
