Saturday’s game against the Eagles has an added importance, with the club celebrating a number of important milestones and careers in the final round of the home and away season.
Zach Guthrie is set to play the 100th game of his AFL career against West Coast, a significant milestone in a story that has been full of persistence and determination.
Joining the club in 2017, Guthrie played 20 games across his first four seasons before cementing his spot in the side through 2022, playing 66 games across the past three years.
Chris Scott paid tribute to Guthrie’s incredible story during his press conference on Friday.
“I think he is worthy of a little bit of extra recognition because he was a really raw, young player when he came into our club,” Scott said.
“The transformation in him and his game has been really significant.
“I have been involved in footy for a while, but I can't remember a player who has worked as hard on his game and has transformed himself so much in 100 games.
“It feels like it is still the early stages of his career, but it is something he should be proud of and it is a real credit to him.”
Alongside Guthrie’s milestone, Rhys Stanley will also play his 150th game for the Cats against the Eagles on Saturday.
After spending the first five seasons of his career with St Kilda, Stanley joined Geelong via trade at the end of 2014 and is now in his 10th year with the club.
In 149 games in the Hoops, Stanley has grown to own the ruck position, while also becoming a premiership player in 2022.
Scott also noted Stanley’s influence during the press conference, making mention of how important he has been to the team over a long period of time.
“I do like talking about Rhys, because he came to our club for a specific reason and he wasn't really a pure ruckman at St Kilda,” Scott said.
“Rhys has had his challenges that he has had to work through in his time here, but he has been a really highly valued player.
“Not just because of what he has done on and off the field, but the fact that he really had to re-invent himself as a player.
“A long time ago I think he considered himself to be a Geelong person, but 150 games further entrenches that.”
Geelong will recognise the two milestones while also celebrating the careers of Tom Hawkins and Zach Tuohy, when the Cats take on West Coast at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.
Tickets are still available and can be found through the link below.
