This year Guthrie, who played 20 AFL games, became another key component in the Cats defence force. During the season the 21-year-old averaged 12.8 disposals at 80.9% efficiency per game along with 3.7 marks, 2.7 tackles. Guthrie didn't spend a lot of time observing from the sidelines instead he was part of the action for 81.6% of the time during every match. In round 22 against the Swans Guthrie took to the contest without a blemish. The small defender equaled his career best of 20 disposals with an end result of 100% disposal efficiency, including seven marks and two tackles.
Amos' review:
His development over the course of the year was first-rate. As the year went on, and as the games became more important, he played better and better. In Enright's absence in our last two finals, he took over Boris' role a little bit, in terms of the players he played on. Those big games didn't worry him. They were almost his best performances. He beat his opponent in most games during the season and really started to add some offensive elements to his game towards the end. He will potentially play in some different positions next year. We know he can go into the midfield and also play as a forward because he's so good in contests and can take strong marks.
30 Nathan Vardy
The 198cm player started off the season recovering from a hip injury and waiting patiently for the nod from medical staff. Having only played two games the season before, Vardy didn’t waste anytime when he was given the all clear in round 10 against the Suns. From the very first quarter Vardy had control of the Cats forward line where he kicked the Cats first goal, finishing up the night with four majors and 10 touches. The 22 year-old became a key player during their finals’ campaign, pushing his career game total to 21. This year the tall forward, who was re-positioned into the ruck after Simpson’s knee injury, averaged 8.8 disposals, 11.3 hit-outs and 1.1 goals per game.
Amos' review:
In the end, we got more out of Vards than we thought we might. There was a bit of uncertainty about how his hip would go, and it will need to be managed throughout his career, but for him to play as much AFL footy as he did was a real bonus for us. He had a number of good games. When we beat the Swans down here at Simonds Stadium he took some great marks and kicked a few goals. He is in a good position to attack the pre-season and hopefully play consistently well in the AFL next year.
32 Steven Motlop
This year the young speedster didn’t miss a beat. He spent his game time covering every corner of the field and entertaining the crowd with his spectacular play in front of goal. The 22-year-old only missed one game for the season and averaged a career best of 17.8 disposals, 3.2 marks and 1.8 goals per game. The young forward, who sits on 51 AFL games, ended the year on 44 goals, making him Geelong’s second leading goal kicker for the season. In round 18 Motlop gave a career best performance with 29 disposals and four goals against the Saints.
Amos' review:
It was a breakout season for Mots. To be in the All Australian squad and play so consistently was a great achievement. We knew he would play at a high level at times, but to play so consistently well was a real credit to him. He became a critical component of our team. Given how young he is, and the fact he hadn't really established himself as an AFL player, his year was outstanding. With Hawkins not able to play as well as he did the year before, Mots really stepped up. Hopefully he can be even better next season. It will be exciting if he can.
