Geelong forward Jeremy Cameron says the growth of the side’s younger players are a key reason why the Cats have booked themselves a spot in next week’s AFL Grand Final at the MCG.

The much talked about tweaking of Geelong’s game plan is only part of the Cats’ story this season according to Cameron, rather, players like Zach Guthrie, Sam De Koning, and Tom Atkins to name a few, deserve their share of the credit.

“Last year didn't go our way as we all know but we went back to the drawing board at the start of this season, changed a few things up and it's been really exciting the way we've played and back ourselves in,” he told SEN on Saturday morning.

“[But] on top of that, having some younger players come through like DK (De Koning) down back who has stood up for us all year, Zach Guthrie, awesome again last night and then even guys through the midfield; Ax (Tom Atkins) has been thrown in there and playing some really good footy in and around the midfield.”

Geelong’s key forwards were once again a handful for the opposition with Tom Hawkins (4 goals) and Tyson Stengle (3 goals) doing the damage with Cameron well held by Darcy Gardiner, but it’s the work of the less heralded Cats that is a key reason why Geelong are now preparing for a Grand Final.

“I feel myself and Hawk and Tys get spoken about a lot,” he said.

“I thought last night Closey (Brad Close) and Gryan Miers’ games were just outstanding. Goals assist after goal assist and kicked a few themselves.

"It's a credit to them and the amount of work they do tied in with our wingers and midfielders.” 

Miers in particular was electric, playing one of his best games as a Cat, collecting 22 disposals,10 score involvements, and two goals, all the while blanketing the Lions’ Daniel Rich.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood was also full of praise for the Cats' younger brigade when he spoke to Channel 7 post match.

“Geez they’re playing well, Zach Guthrie, Gryan (Miers), I’m so happy for so many of them.”