FOOTY PROPHET: Congratulations on an outstanding season so far. What was the catalyst for your breakout season this year?

MARK BLICAVS: Thank you very much. I think I had a very consistent preseason. I didn’t try to do anything special. I just made sure I was able to get my body right to complete every football session, gym session etc just that continuity of playing footy has helped my progress in understanding the game and improving.

FP: How has your body adapted from steeple chasing to AFL and do you think not qualifying for London may have been a blessing in disguise?

MB: When I first joined the club I was very fit aerobically but not ‘football specific’ fit. It took a good solid 6 months to be able to make that switch from long runs to short bursts and change of direction running. Also coming from a non-contact sport to a contact sport every corky I got I would be sore and bruised for 3 weeks. Now it’s not so bad. I think even if I did qualify I still would have made the switch. Footy was something new and different and I really liked the challenge of trying to make it.

FP: How do you expect your role to change next year when hopefully the likes of Rhys Stanley and Nathan Vardy are fit?

MB: I think it will still be a similar role but maybe with a bit more midfield time. I enjoy being around the ball so I would love to find a regular spot there.

FP: You always look to have lots of time with the footy, where do you get that skill?

MB: it’s probably just something I’ve learned in my time at the club. I really get angry at myself if I don’t make the right decision at training and in games so I try to make sure I put in as much work as I can to improve. Plus if you cough up the ball in games, teams are so good at making you pay.

FP: You're such a unique player, but is there one player you model yourself on?

MB: I work super-closely with Harry Taylor. I think his work ethic and professionalism is the best I’ve seen. I try to copy him in most areas. Nat Fyfe is another. His work in the contest and the pack marks he takes are something pretty special and something ill be trying to do more of in the future.

FP: It seems that you’re the prototypical back up ruckman, but you’re holding your own right now as the main man. Given you’re outsized compared to many of the other ruckmen in the competition, what is your focus in a ruck contest?

MB: I know that they are bigger and stronger than I am so I need to play to my strengths. Generally its my quick feet and follow up work on the ground that helps in those situations.

FP: You’ve been praised by Chris Scott as being a fast learner. Who's had the biggest influence on you and who has taught you the most?

MB: Harry Taylor, Nige Lappin, Max Rooke, Dale Amos… just to name a few.

FP: Who are a couple of players that you think can break out in 2016 and why?

MB: from our team I love the look of Jed Bews. Great in a contest for his size. Is super quick and he tackles to hurt.

FP: Are you a big fantasy player and are you aware of the huge impact you’ve made in 2015 for fantasy coaches?

MB: I played a bit of it before I got drafted but have since stopped. Back in the day my go to players to have were Deledio and Priddis. My brother does it and keeps me updated on my form. He’s very good at a sledge and lets me know when I haven’t performed.

FP: Pretend you’re participating in a fantasy draft, and you have the number 1 pick. Which AFL player (from any club) would you select to be on your team?

MB: people who rack up loads of the ball and kick goals are very handy to have. This year it’s been Fyfe. Last year was Joel Selwood. Next year I’m saying Cam Guthrie. But a fully fit Gary Ablett is my first pick any day of the week!!!