This time last year, the thought of succeeding expectations of becoming a professional footballer wouldn’t have even crossed Blicavs' mind, as he busily prepared himself for the 2012 Olympics.
Geelong’s senior coach couldn’t be happier with their steeplechase debutant, who played his very first AFL game against the Hawks in round 1 and has played every game since. His name has even appeared on the list for tonight's blockbuster against the Swans.
“We couldn’t be happier really,” Scott told Cats TV.
“If we were going to compare where he’s at now to our expectations, then it would be off the charts.”
“He’s got a long way to go to reach his peak, but we’re really happy with the role he’s doing for the team and very impressed with the way he’s developing as an individual.”
“There will be weeks where we don’t play him… he’s not a hardened AFL player.”
Despite Blicavs’ lack of experience, Scott can’t ignore his persistence and spirit to learn, which he believes is a skill that is hugely underrated in our game.
Although physically, his body and running capabilities are perfect for the job. The Cats are mainly inspired by his enthusiastic attitude and ability to work hard, week in and week out.
“By far the most impressive thing about Mark is his thirst for knowledge and his ability to grasp quite complex strategies that he wouldn’t have been a part of in the last seven or eight years, and then implement them effectively on game day,” Scott said.
Cats defender, Andrew Mackie, also speaks highly of the young draftee and is astounded by how much he’s been able to achieve over such a short period of time. He is never short of a question and he is constantly finding a way to get involved.
“It’s a credit to him,” Mackie told SEN Radio.
“He’s a really good learner and a really good listener, which are good traits to have for a young fella.”
“Always asking questions, always wanting to learn and coming from a fair way back, he picked it up so quickly.
“Late in games, because he is so fit he is finding some free ball and really getting involved. He’s been pretty crucial for us. He’s played a really good role while we’ve been deprived of other ruckmen.
“When the other two (McIntosh and Vardy) come back they’ll all play as a team and hopefully we’ll reap the rewards.”
