He honed his craft at VFL level for much of the 2024 season, but Jed Bews’ impact in the AFL side was clearly evident in the Qualifying Final win over Port Adelaide.

Playing an influential lockdown role on Willie Rioli for most of the night, Bews held the dangerous forward to just one goal and eight disposals, contributing heavily to a strong defensive performance by Geelong.

In the Cats previous clash with the Power, Rioli had a prolific impact kicking four goals from seven scoring shots, further highlighting the importance of Bews’ role.

Bews provided insight into his 2024 campaign when he spoke with 3AW Football following Geelong’s Qualifying Final victory.

“It has been a little frustrating at times, but I just had to hang in there,” Bews told 3AW.

“I thought there would be an opportunity coming, but I tried to keep plugging away in the VFL and playing well.

“I have come in and played my role pretty well, hopefully I can keep doing that and we can do something special.”

Geelong have utilised their incredible depth across the 2024 season, using 35 different players as they made their way back to September action.

The Qualifying Final displayed plenty of the Cats emerging talent, with seven players making their AFL Finals debut against Port Adelaide last Thursday.

Bews said it has had a big impact throughout the season, giving players plenty of exposure to the highest standard of AFL football. 

“That is what holds us in good stead going forward, we have been able to get games into lots of guys and tried different things throughout the year,” Bews said.

“It has been great to get those guys some experience, then we get to Finals and put a team out there that can do something great.

“It is a great position to be in, Chris Scott and the coaches do it really well.”