Since being appointed into the side in Round 1 2013, the 198cm player has been called upon to help Geelong’s ruck, midfield and more recently their defence force, where he held down AFL super star Nick Reiwolt in the second half of last week’s win.
Scott concedes Blicavs’ ability to work in the ruck has been a benefit and has helped with the balancing of the team, however, it’s not a key element of the Cats structure.
“In some weeks it has (been to help balance the team) but in previous weeks it certainly has been an advantage to have the two big ruckmen plus Mark,” Scott told Cats TV.
“I think we’ve seen the last two weeks that Blicavs can go back and play as a key defender as well.”
“We’re keen to explore all of those options, we’re still open minded as to what Mark’s best position is going to end up long term but I think we’ve got a fair level of confidence that he’s a competent second ruckmen and a competent key defender as well.”
Even though Blicavs, who had 11 hit-outs on Sunday, has continued a casual role in the ruck, Scott admits he prefers the elasticity of having two fit ruckmen, Dawson Simpson and Hamish McIntosh, in the mix, which allows Scott to utilise Blicavs in a variety of areas across the ground.
However, the decision of where Blicavs will be placed on the field continues to be a dilemma for Geelong's coaches.
“As opposed to last year where we didn’t have too many options and we were forced to play him as a ruckman, this year with Dawson and Hamish hopefully available it gives us a bit more flexibility with Blitz but it’s a good question and it’s one that dominates match committee every single week,” Scott explained.
“While we have a plan, we can see that plan changing from week to week.”
Click on the video above to hear more from Chris Scott on Tweet the Coach.
