Ryan Abbott made his debut against the reigning premier Richmond, playing Friday Night Footy at the MCG with the Cats up to their eyeballs in the finals chase.

He’d waited 27 years to get his shot at the big time after being selected as a mature-age prospect by Geelong, and with two important goals in big moments it became clear the Cats ruck wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip by.

Three more games including an elimination final matchup with Max Gawn followed, and Abbott’s taste of the top level left him with one clear goal in mind heading into the offseason.

The agile ruck wanted to get bigger and took on the challenge with a focus that has made him the talk of GMHBA Stadium since the return of the first to fourth year players on Monday.

“He’s there or there abouts six kilos (heavier),” physical performance manager Scott Murphy said.

“Part of the post season review was that he needed to improve his body work – in the AFL he’s a good runner for a taller man.

“He took the opportunity to use the eight weeks away from the club, without the competing demands of footy, to put on some size. Hopefully that transfers to an improved ability to use his body in contests and subsequently improves his footy ability,” he said.

It’s clear Abbott has bought into the club after turning down contract offers from rival clubs at the end of 2018 and signing on for a further two seasons.

His application to improving himself hasn’t gone unnoticed.

“If you have a really rigorous dietary regime, coupled with your resistance training and little distraction, then you can achieve a lot of things,” Murphy said.

“Ryan has done a really good job.”