Mark Blicavs could literally play anywhere.
Already a club best and fairest winner in a season where he threatened convention, his rare combination of size, strength and raw running power means the 25-year-old has the flexibility to play any position.
It could be considered a blessing and a curse, given his breakout 2015 saw the former steeple-chaser used predominantly as Geelong’s ruckman and not in one of the many varied roles he now finds himself in on the eve of the 2017 home and away season.
2015 alone strengthens the argument his best position is indeed in the ruck, but with the arrival of Zac Smith and the improvement of Rhys Stanley, Blicavs’ time there has diminished and just where he could end up is a week-to-week proposition.
“I think the coaches try and keep it as simple as possible. Whether it’s through the midfield and wing or a bit of ruck as well, I’ll always go in with a lot of clarity before the game with what role I’m going to be playing,” Blicavs said.
“If I can nail down a couple of roles this year and be really consistent with the way I’m playing my football, it will help the coaches with the selection process in terms of where they want to play me.”
Our first look at how senior coach Chris Scott will use the 192cm, 95kg utility comes on Sunday in Perth against Fremantle.
Again, it is all horses for courses and this week’s circumstances present themselves as an opposition with elite, transition runners like Stephen and Bradley Hill, and the expanses of Domain Stadium.
“I’m really looking forward to it. I love the open space,” Blicavs said.
“It’s going to be an exciting game watching the ball move from end to end and the transition of the wingers and of the guys like the two Hill brothers.”
“I’ve played a little bit against Brad when he was at Hawthorn and he’s as fast as they come and moves so well. I’m going to have to be on my game in terms of the way I’m feeling.
“Hopefully I’m feeling really pretty fresh during the game and trying to make early decisions to transition, because if I don’t they’ll burn you on the other end.”
Blicavs and the Cats will take on Fremantle at Domain Stadium on Sunday from 4:40pm WST.