Geelong have trialled numerous midfield combinations so far this season, but two players in particular have quietly taken their game to the next level.

Tom Atkins and Mark Blicavs are two of just eight Cats to feature in every game so far this year, piecing together strong seasons so far as leaders of the Geelong on-ball division.  

The two tough midfielders have both become staples in the middle of the ground for Geelong, with both playing a vital role in the Cats’ premiership charge last year.  

Tom Atkins has consistently been one of Geelong’s most underrated players, and the tough midfielder is once again compiling a terrific year in his fifth season with the Cats.

2022 proved to be a breakout year for Atkins, who featured in all 25 games for Geelong during their premiership run.

The hard-nosed onballer has taken his game to another level this season, rising to the challenge in the absence of some of Geelong’s big names.

Atkins leads Geelong in the majority of their contested categories, picking up the most clearances this season with 58 at an average of nearly six per game.

Atkins leads the Cats for tackles this season too, laying an incredible 82 in 12 games which is also the seventh most of any player in the competition. Atkins has laid 33 more tackles than any other Geelong player this year.

He is also one of only two Cats to collect more than 100 contested possessions in the first half of this season, proving his importance to the Cats midfield unit.

Mark Blicavs has formed a formidable duo with Atkins in the midfield this season, further adding to an incredible career resume for the versatile Cat.

Blicavs leads Geelong in contested possessions this season, after finishing second in this category in 2022 behind injured Cats star, Cam Guthrie.

The former defender has found a new home in recent seasons as a midfielder, making the All-Australian team for the first time in 2022.

The two-time Carji Greeves medallist continues to develop his game in his 11th season at the club, laying the second-most tackles of any Geelong player in 2023.

Blicavs has also played an important role in the ruck this year, averaging over 12 hitouts per game to provide Geelong some flexibility in the middle.

The versatile big man has averaged over four clearances per-game, while also pushing forward to add eight goals for the season.

Both Atkins and Blicavs have grown into strong leaders this season, helping to develop some of Geelong’s young stars throughout 2023.