Geelong utility Mark Blicavs played a crucial role in his side’s win over Melbourne on Thursday night.
When Blicavs wasn’t in the ruck, he was paying close attention to Demons stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver at stoppages.
The 31-year-old’s versatility makes him one of Geelong’s most important players.
David King says Blicavs, a former a middle-distance runner and steeplechaser, is the “most unique player” in the AFL.
Since arriving at Geelong as a rookie in 2011, Blicavs has gone on to play 219 games, winning two best and fairest awards in 2015 and 2018.
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“The number one takeaway from me is probably the use of Mark Blicavs last night,” King told SEN Breakfast.
“He played half of the game in the ruck or 30 or 40 per cent of the game in the ruck, because obviously (Rhys) Stanley’s the prime ruckman.
“He’s involved in 25 ruck hit-outs. If you talk to a ruckman, they say that is such a taxing role in the team. So physical, it’s body-on-body, it’s brutal.
“Once he wasn’t in the ruck, he would then go and stand Petracca. If Petracca wasn’t there, he’d then go and stand Oliver.
“What a horrendous night at the office that would be.
“You’ve got a player on the Ace, King and Queen of the Melbourne Football Club all night – and no rest.
“I think he’s the most unique player that we’ve got in our game, and Chris Scott used him perfectly last night.”
Cats ruckman Stanley has enhanced his reputation this year, according to Kane Cornes.
“Luke Jackson didn’t touch the ball in the second half and Stanley really took it up to him,” Cornes said.
“I think Rhys Stanley has done his reputation enormous favours this year.
“Because he’s been maligned, and Geelong have been searching for a ruckman for what feels like 10 years.”
Stanley is averaging 21 hit-outs, 13 disposals and three clearances per game this season.