Brandan Parfitt’s steady development continued in 2019, as the third-year Cat once again incrementally increased his midfield exposure.
Parfitt doubled his clearances per game from the year prior, while also improving on disposals, tackles, inside 50s and rebound 50s.
The 54-gamer is leading the charge of next generation Geelong midfielders and will hope to take yet another step in 2020.
Game-Breaking Performance
When Tom Atkins left the side with injury against the Bulldogs in Round 9, Parfitt showed off his versatility with a more permanent forward role.
The Northern Territory product showed off his ability to pile on the pressure and fill the void left by Atkins.
"When he has the ball in his hands you know something is going to happen."
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) May 20, 2019
Parfitt got creative against the Dogs.#StandProud #WeAreGeelong pic.twitter.com/7eeRPyzv9c
The Stat
Parfitt attacked the contest with a newfound energy in 2019, recording more tackles per game than any other Cat playing more than two games.
All five of the young Cat’s career highest tackling games came in 2019, including a 10-tackle performance against the Demons in Round 2.
Tackles (Per Game)
Brandan Parfitt – 5.3 per game
Cameron Guthrie – 4.9 per game
Tom Atkins – 4.8 per game
Luke Dahlhaus – 4.8 per game
Gary Ablett – 4.5 per game
The Quote
Parfitt has an almost elite balance between contested footy, a bit of space and the ability to hold a formation.
Former Geelong Captain Cameron Ling believes that Parfitt brings balance to the Geelong midfield.
Ling said that Parfitt compliments the see-ball-get-ball style of Selwood and Dangerfield, and the smooth-moving outside ability of Duncan.
Ideal Locker Buddy
The Cats property staff will need to find a way to maximise how many locker buddies Gary Ablett has in 2020.
Ablett’s perfect blend of forward and midfield ability is a skillset Parfitt should be striving towards.
While Parfitt continues to develop his midfield game, he does have the ability to hit the scoreboard which is something the Cats will be conscious to utilise.