At the young age of 10, Blicavs was already showing promising signs on the field and his junior football coach, Andrew Guthrie, despite the young athlete’s passion for running, was determined not to let football slip his mind.
Guthrie, who played several games for Essendon and Fitzroy and whose son Cameron now plays with Geelong, told News Limited about Blicavs’ "fantastic skill set," which later caught the attention of Geelong’s recruit manager, Stephen Wells.
"Of course he was a sensational athlete with a big leap, but he could also seriously play football," Guthrie said.
"Mark had played basketball with Cam and football with my eldest son Ben, plus we were friends with his parents, Andy and Karen, and while I knew he wanted to pursue his athletic passion, I always kept the football side in mind."
Mark Blicavs’ steeplechase coach, Gregor Gorjrzewski, was disappointed to see Blicavs go but also understood that he had been offered a lifetime opportunity that he couldn’t refuse.
"The London Olympics were always too early for Mark ... runners do not peak until 25 to 27. I remember him coming to me and saying, 'Gregor, I have the sad news for you', and he told me about Geelong and Aussie Rules.
"I say, 'You do what your passion tells you. Follow your dream, Mark".
"As coach I was sad to lose such good prospect because he is very talented.
"It sad that the athletics, there is not good financial support. All of sudden Mark gets an offer to be paid to play sport. So good on him. I will be watching more Aussie rules than I used to."
Mark Blicavs, who had 9 disposals and 11 hit-outs in Easter Monday’s opening clash, continues to impress his fellow teammates, senior coach, Chris Scott, and above all his family.
Blicavs’ parents however, Karen and Andy, who played basketball for Australia, understand the pressures of playing sport professionally and continue to be pragmatic about his progress at Geelong.
"We didn't expect it but neither did Mark. It is very exciting although you have to be realistic, and Mark knows if he gets a game it's because of injuries to other players," Karen said.
"I actually think he needs a year of developing in the VFL. He might make it, he might not, but I can tell you he has the right mindset for it and will give the AFL everything he has got.
"Because he hasn't played a lot you could argue he hasn't picked up bad habits, and he is very appreciative of what he is getting after coming from a sport with such little financial help in athletics."
Guthrie, looks forward to Blicavs’ development at the Cats and believes that the club has found a young talent that shows to have potential in a number of areas on the ground.
"He would be a fairly difficult match-up on a wing," Guthrie said.
"But before that I just want to see how a 202cm ruckman keeps up with him."
