Midfielder George Horlin-Smith need only do more of the same to ensure his place in the Cats’ best 22.

Speaking on Momentum Energy’s #AskTheCoach this week, Geelong senior coach Chris Scott was asked what the 24-year-old must focus on to make the most of his opportunity at AFL level.

“George probably needs to play at a similar level to the way he played on the weekend. We were really happy with his game,” Scott said.

“He’s had a couple of fantastic pre-seasons. He’s a talented player.”

Horlin-Smith gathered 16 disposals and five tackles in round one against the Dockers, and Scott believes he brings a different dynamic to a deep midfield group that does have other players waiting to pounce on a chance of their own.

“He’s more of an inside player for us so it does give us a bit more depth to use guys like Dangerfield, Selwood, Duncan on the outside a bit more rather than needing them inside for the majority of the time,” Scott said.

“But in the end, it’s not much more complicated than our team selected is a meritocracy. We’ve still got Menegola available, Selwood to come back. There’s some competition for spots in there.”

“We have some guys who have played a bit of footy for us that need to perform at a high level, otherwise they know that guys like George will be played in front of them.”

Watch the full episode of #AskTheCoach via the video player above.