GEELONG ruckman Rhys Stanley says he wants to "earn" a fresh contract, rather than be gifted an extension after his recent form revival.
Out of contract at season's end, Stanley has gone from whipping boy to No.1 ruck, answering coach Chris Scott's calls for him to make the spot his own.
Ranked the second-best ruckman in the game since round 13, Stanley is closing in on a two-year extension with the Cats ahead of a bout with Richmond's Toby Nankervis on Friday night.
"For me, it's trying to sort out my backyard, making sure I'm doing everything I can to earn it," Stanley told AFL.com.au.
"Discussions are there, now it's up to me to do my job and playing to the best of my ability, and the rest will take care of itself.
"The last 5-6 weeks, I've been playing in that position and if I can continue to perform to the level the team needs me to, that's what I mean by earn it."
Part of one of four different ruck combinations used by Geelong in the opening month of the season, Chris Scott admitted none were "shooting the lights out" approaching the Cats' bye.
After edging ahead of Zac Smith for the No.1 mantle, Stanley's move from part-forward to permanent ruck kick-started a purple patch from round 13 against Nankervis and the Tigers.
In the five matches since, Stanley has had the better of Tom Boyd and Stefan Martin, and nullified Max Gawn, Sam Jacobs and Callum Sinclair.
"I've had troubles with Stanley over our times in the VFL and AFL, he's a very good jumper," Gawn told RSN on Tuesday.
"We probably drew nil-all (in round 18), we didn't have much of an impact on the game. He took away everything I wanted to bring to the game and I had a point to prove against (Sam) Jacobs (in round 19)."
Stanley admits being backed in to lead a midfield including Gary Ablett, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, Mitch Duncan and Tim Kelly has been the boost he needed.
"Continuity breeds confidence," he said.
"When you're constantly playing that role and finding what works for you, obviously you're going to get confidence out of it.
"(I've been) doing a lot of work with (ruck coach) 'Otto' (Brad Ottens) and getting the craft stuff down and figuring out what my game looks like.
"I'm never going to be a big (Todd) Goldstein or Jacobs type where I'm wrestling, I'm not going to be that ruckman.
"I don't have the real weight about me, I have to be able to run and be able to follow up at ground level and try to be as athletic as I can."
The jobs continue to come for Stanley, set to go head-to-head with Nankervis at the MCG on Friday night for the second time in six matches.
"I played against him last time and we (Geelong) did OK in the centre clearances," Stanley said.
"He's a great ruckman and really aggressive. I'll do my homework and try and nullify another one."
