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Sport Nation
Lyon’s massive call on versatile Cats veteran
Andrew Slevison • September 9th, 2025 11:52 am
Mark Blicavs produced an extraordinary performance in Geelong’s Qualifying Final win over Brisbane at the MCG last Friday night.
The veteran was one of the best players on the ground as the Cats forced their way through to yet another Preliminary Final.
In the absence of the injured Rhys Stanley, Blicavs was asked by coach Chris Scott to step up as the primary ruckman against the Lions. And boy did he deliver.
Blicavs had 26 hit outs, 20 disposals at 80 per cent efficiency, nine score involvements (second behind Jeremy Cameron), an equal game-high six clearances, three centre clearances, five tackles, four inside 50s and a goal.
Over the course of his career, the 34-year-old has played myriad roles in the blue and white hoops including as a wingman, a run-with midfielder, a key defender and even up forward.
What he produced on the weekend had Garry Lyon pondering if Blicavs is the most versatile player the game has seen.
Before Blicavs there was Sydney’s Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes and Fremantle’s six-time All-Australian Matthew Pavlich who played multiple positions remarkably well.
But Lyon made a massive call about the athletic Cat.
“They lose their ruckman, Stanley is out. No problem. We’ll play Mark Blicavs in the ruck,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“Someone has text in - Is he the most versatile player? I think he is the most versatile player the game has ever seen.
“I know other players have done similar things, but he (Blicavs) plays ruck, he plays wing, he plays forward now, he plays back. He can play full-back, centre half-back, he can run with a player.
“I say this all the time - you won’t appreciate him until he’s gone.
“When you lose your ruckman ahead of a big final and you just go, ‘Blitz can do it’. Unbelievable.”
Co-host Tim Watson was also full of praise for the former steeplechaser.
“He keeps doing it, doesn’t he,” he said.
“His running ability means that he can become a thorn in the side of the opposition because of his ability to get across the ground and create and outnumber.”
Blicavs is a two-time Geelong best and fairest winner (2015 and 2018) as well as a premiership player and All-Australian in 2022.
With Stanley’s hamstring issue not yet resolved, Blicavs could again find himself in the ruck when the Cats play in the Preliminary Final against either Adelaide or Hawthorn next weekend.
