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Atkins continues to play such a vital role through the midfield, with his defensive efforts and toughness helping to unlock plenty of what Geelong does offensively. 

2025 was an outstanding campaign for the hard-nosed on-baller, with Atkins laying 232 tackles for the season which comfortably eclipsed the previous AFL record for tackles in a single season. 

But his efforts were not restricted to the defensive side, with Atkins leading Geelong for clearances and contested possessions across the year, while also ranking in the AFL's top 20 players for goal assists (16th) and score launches (10th). 

The 30-year-old set new career-high averages in disposals, tackles, inside 50s, clearances, contested possessions and goal assists, putting together a terrific and well-rounded campaign. 

It led to a fourth-place finish in the Carji Greeves Medal, while he also shared the top honours in the Tom Harley Award for Best Clubman, the fourth consecutive year he has received the award. 

Atkins' determination and contested prowess help to unleash Geelong's attacking weapons like Holmes and Smith, with the gritty midfielder set to be ultra important once again heading into 2026.