Former Geelong captain Cameron Ling believes that his former side has ‘really missed’ having Brandan Parfitt in the team since the bye.

“He is very important. Parfitt has a bit of speed for starters, but he is also a player with a good awareness of space,” Ling said speaking to theage.com.au.

“With players like Joel (Selwood) and Paddy (Dangerfield), it’s very much a case of see-ball get-ball, and someone like Mitch Duncan who plays that outside role, whereas Parfitt has an almost elite balance between contested footy, a bit of space and the ability to hold a formation,” he said.

While Parfitt’s football IQ is amongst the best in the team, his defensive application hasn’t gone unnoticed. His average of 5.8 tackles per game ranks him first at the club and he is second behind Tom Atkins for tackles inside forward 50.

The 21-year-old has also averaged 18 disposals per game, with more than half of those being contested.

“If the ball does go the other way, he can put pressure on the opposition, and he has a really good feel for decision making around the contest.

“He knows when to go, just having an innate feel for the right balance. I’m speaking predominantly as a midfielder who can go forward, something like 60-40. Clearly he is a player they have really missed since the bye.”

Chris Scott declared at this week's press conference that Parfitt is a chance to return when Geelong’s hosts North Melbourne at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night.


The Retro Round clash will commence at 7.25pm.