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One of just six Geelong players to feature in every game last year, Close continued to bring elite pressure in Geelong's forward half while also providing plenty of scoreboard production. 

The standout and perhaps underrated statistic from his season was contributions heading inside 50, with Close recording 30 goal assists which was tied for the most at Geelong, and the second most of any player in the AFL. 

Remarkably, Close has the second highest goal assist tally of any player in the competition over the past three seasons with 75, only behind teammate Gryan Miers who has 87 in that span. 

He still found the big sticks himself, kicking 19 goals for the year while averaging a solid 12.6 disposals, playing a valuable role for the team week in and week out. 

Earlier in the season, the premiership forward signed a new three-year deal that will see him remain at Geelong until at least the end of 2028.