VERSATILE Cat Mark Blicavs has been awarded the maximum coaches votes for his efforts in filling Geelong’s ruck void against the Giants.
With Rhys Stanley and Esava Ratugolea missing from the side with ankle injuries and Jonathon Ceglar sidelined after foot surgery, Blicavs was the next man up against the Giants’ ruck duo of Braydon Preuss and Matt Flynn.
Blicavs held his own in ruck contests, winning 21 hit-outs to Preuss’ 31 and Flynn’s 18, but it was around the ground where the athletic Cat excelled.
The two-time Carji Greeves medal winner won 25 disposals as he used his endurance base to run the GWS ruck duo ragged.
Blicavs generated 511 metres gained and took eight marks as he spread the Giants defence, while also winning eight clearances and laying eight tackles.
Jeremy Cameron earned seven votes for his bag of five goals as his three first quarter majors set up the Cats’ lead.
Mitch Duncan also snared seven votes from the coaches for his match-leading 33 touches, 12 marks and 11 score involvements.
Tyson Stengle (three goals) and Cameron Guthrie (25 disposals) rounded out the votes for Geelong.
Round 8 Coaches Votes
10 Votes – Mark Blicavs
7 Votes – Jeremy Cameron
7 Votes – Mitch Duncan
3 Votes – Tyson Stengle
2 Votes – Cameron Guthrie
1 Vote – Sam Taylor
