Finishing the 2013 season riddled with guilt, Geelong ruckman Hamish McIntosh sees this year’s final series as an opportunity to give back to the Cats.

The former Kangaroo, who arrived at the club at the end of 2012, was lumbered with injuries for the entirety of his first season with Geelong due to a reoccurring knee issue, a troubled ankle as well as problems with his achilles tendon.

McIntosh says the worst thing about his first year at the Cattery was watching helplessly from the boundary line when the Cats needed him the most.

“I found it really hard,” McIntosh told K-Rock Football.

“I felt Dawson and I could play a role and I just felt a lot of guilt when I saw the guys out there and we were short of ruckmen.

“I saw Blitz (Mark Blicavs) rucking and although he was doing a fantastic job, I knew I was recruited to play that role and play ruck and I saw we were down in that area.

“I felt guilt, really shattered and depressed at the time because I felt I let a lot of people down.

“So this year is not only about getting my body right and coming back to play a role, but I’m so keen to say thanks to this footy club for what they’ve done for me and the faith they’ve shown in me after what I went through last year.

“I’m so keen to come back and play a role and hopefully have some reward at the end of the season.

“I’m really keen to prove a point and come out and make that spot my own and hopefully it can turn into success in the finals.”

When asked about this week’s blockbuster Qualifying Final against the Hawks, McIntosh could not withhold his excitement.

“I’m incredibly excited — nervous as well,” McIntosh said.

Since the 203cm ruckman made his Geelong debut in Round 1 this year, McIntosh has played a total of 18 games in the blue and white hoops and has loved every minute of it.  

McIntosh admits his injury-ridden journey that kept him away for three years has taught him the most valuable and humble lesson an AFL footballer can learn.

“The injuries have made me appreciate football more. Experience each game as it comes, enjoy each moment. You never know when your last game is going to be,” McIntosh explained.

Friday night the Cats will have another chance to dismantle the Hawks at the MCG and McIntosh is determined to put his best game forward after a disappointing second half in Round 22.  

“It wasn’t my greatest quarter, but if one thing, it’s made me even more driven to make amends for next week as we’ve got to play them again,” McIntosh said.

Friday night the Cats and the Hawks will meet for the second time in less than two weeks.

Grab your Qualifying Final tickets here.