Since entering the competition as a Category-B Rookie in 2013, Mark Blicavs has been no stranger to playing all parts of the ground. The fan favourite “unicorn” is entering his 13th year at the elite level, and credits his unique ability to play in any position as a key reason to his football enjoyment.
Speaking to Gerard Healy and Kane Cornes on SEN Sportsday, Blicavs admitted sometimes even he gets caught off guard with his movements on the field.
“To be honest, at times I'm not sure what even I do. Yeah, I'm enjoying it, I suppose one of my strengths is I'm able to play a role in any position of the ground and I really sort of take that upon myself. If my teammates or coaches ask me for that. I've been enjoying my footy, I think this year again will be no exception," Blicavs said.
“I'll be thrown around a little bit depending on the teams we play, depending on who we're playing from, if we've got injuries, whatever it might be. I've been doing a bit more in defence this pre-season. I've really enjoyed working with James Kelly and Tom Stewart and the backs down there and I assume I'll be again a bit of a dual position this year."
For the 198cm Blicavs, height has never diminished his footballing ability, and his well credentialed athletics background has played a big part in how his transition to football set up him up for the career he’s had.
With his knowledge of multiple areas of the ground, being asked to play in the ruck even though at times he might be giving up some strength or height, gives him the opportunity to implement his other positional skills in a more damaging part of the ground.
“I actually really enjoy rucking. Not necessarily copping the big knee from Maxy Gawn or whatever in the centre bounce but I enjoy the freedom that gives you to move around the ground and try and influence and follow the ball a bit more. So I sort of really enjoy that part of it.
“Again, as I've mentioned, I'm happy to play whatever position and certainly my time at Geelong we've had ruckman go in and out of the side, and (somewhere) where I've needed to stand up, and that's something I take pride in.”
After a serious hamstring injury forced him to miss a chunk of the 2023 season, Blicavs enjoyed a flawless 2024 campaign only missing one game through suspension. The durable utility has his fair share of highs and lows, and the final game of Geelong’s season last year was a perfect example, with lessons to take into 2025.
“So first off the game was amazing to be involved in. Obviously, a shocking result for us. Yeah, it was a tough game, but that's I suppose the beauty of being involved in this industry. There's a lot of highs and a lot of lows. And yeah, that was a great game to be a part of, but a tough result. But, you've just got to find motivations and what your purpose is and wanting to play and you see them win it and obviously went on an amazing run when they beat GWS, us and then Sydney to win it.
“We just sort of take inspiration that we're going to keep working hard, but we think that if we can play the right way, we're a chance at the end of any season we come into and this is no exception. To be honest, we just got back to training and try and improve as an individual and as a collective and that helps us sort of move on…”
At 34 years of age, there’s no slowing down for Mark Blicavs, who continues to defy any obstacles put in his path during his career. From a late start after transitioning from athletics, Blicavs still sees a clear path ahead in his football journey.
“I'm still enjoying footy. I'm still motivated. So as long as I'm enjoying it and I'm motivated to keep improving, I'd like to keep going, I know that can change very quick and could get to the end of the year and I'm still having fun and Scotty says see you later.
“I'm taking it in my stride at this moment, I've still got ambition to play another year beyond this, but very, very focused on what we can do this year.”
Geelong travel to Brisbane to take on the reigning Premiers Brisbane at the Gabba in the opening game of the season on March 6.
