It is a story that any avid Cats fan would be familiar with, but Zach Guthrie's rise from fringe defender to Geelong superstar has been nothing short of spectacular. 

Selected in the 2016 rookie draft, Guthrie managed 33 AFL games across his first five seasons with the Cats, before cementing his place in the back six during the 2022 season. 

Across the past three years the 26 year old has gone from strength to strength, featuring in the 2022 Premiership alongside brother Cam, and finishing runner up in the 2024 Carji Greeves Medal count. 

Now regarded among the competition's elite defenders heading into 2025, Guthrie opened up on the secret behind his development when he joined SEN Afternoons on Tuesday. 

"I have always been someone that tries to learn from others, learn from the coaches and just continue to put the faith in people that are willing to help me," Guthrie said. 

"I just wanted to continue my development as a player. Early on in my career there was a few games where I came in as a lighter player, so it has taken some time to develop my body and get that to a level where I feel like I can perform and thrive at the top level.

"That has been something that I have always looked to work on, then obviously the footy content as well.

"I have tried to remain as positive as I can along the way, I see everyday as an opportunity to learn and get better."

Drafted by the Cats at the end of the 2016 season, Guthrie joined a playing list that included club legends like Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield, who consistently drove the high standards at Geelong. 

The ability to learn from players like that was invaluable for the young defender, as he looked to carve out his own journey at the highest level of football. 

Now ready to enter his ninth season of AFL football, the tables have turned and it is Guthrie's opportunity to teach the next generation of Cats as they commence their own journeys. 

"I think back to when I first got to the football club, and I was amazingly lucky to have some guys here that went on to be absolute legends of the club," Guthrie said. 

"Joel Selwood obviously, Tom Hawkins as well, they are the ones that really set the standard and drive the amazing culture within the club.

"It is really important to continue the amazing things that they bring, but also bring the individual qualities and strengths that you can bring as well to keep evolving as a club.

"To continue their traits and strengths, to pass that on is really important as well."