Zach Guthrie’s rise in the Geelong backline has reached new heights this season, with the consistent defender finishing fourth in the Carji Greeves medal vote count.
Guthrie was one of just three Cats to play all 23 games this year, averaging a career high 16 disposals per game while locking down some of the competition’s top forwards.
The premiership defender’s year included an impressive 26 disposal performance against Port Adelaide, while also leading the way with 21 disposals and a goal against St Kilda in the penultimate round of the season.
The 25 year old’s meteoric rise has seen him win a premiership and play 44 games across the past two seasons, after managing just 19 appearances in his first four years at Kardinia Park.
Geelong assistant coach James Kelly spoke about the man they call Z-Bang's commitment to the club, and his strong desire to improve each and every week.
“No matter how he plays or how the team goes, he is always at my desk on Monday morning reviewing his game and hunting for ways to get better,” Kelly said.
“As a coaching group we ask a lot of him; to stay on the field, support others, hardly rotate and we never have concerns that he won’t deliver for us.
"Zach has built himself from being a rookie to the position he is in now while building good habits and approaching his game with humility.”
Guthrie finished in the top ten for Geelong in disposals, tackles, rebound 50’s and one percent efforts to cap off an incredible season for the ever improving Cat.
