Friday night certainly won't be Mark Blicavs' first rodeo.
The experienced Cat has seen his fair share of Finals action, 27 appearances to be exact in a phenomenal career spanning over the past 13 years. Friday night will also be his ninth Preliminary Final, adding to a legacy that includes a premiership, an All-Australian blazer and two Carji Greeves Medals.
It will also be a familiar opponent standing on the other side of the battle in the Preliminary Final, with Blicavs set to face Hawthorn for the 24th time in his AFL career, the most games he has played against any team in the competition.
After stepping into the starting ruck role and performing brilliantly in Geelong's Qualifying Final, the challenge gets no easier for Blicavs as he prepares to take on Hawthorn's star ruckman, Lloyd Meek on Friday.
Where some players might get overawed by the task on the biggest stage, Blicavs said it is an opportunity he relishes and feels comfortable heading into the penultimate weekend of the 2025 season.
"I am very happy to do it, I am excited about it," Blicavs told media on Monday.
"Whatever happens, happens, but I have said previously that I enjoy playing different roles and taking that on, taking that responsibility on.
"I sort of like it when, not people doubt me, but I like the challenge of that role where maybe I haven't played it as much as other roles. Again, if that is this week then I am really excited for it.
"I have done a certain amount of rucking every season throughout my career anyway, so I am really comfortable in there. I really enjoy being around the ball, so it will be a good challenge."
It is hard to believe that has been 12 years since a young Blicavs graced a football field for the first time, making his AFL debut in a typical Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn in 2013.
Now heading into the 294th game of his AFL career, he is set to face the Hawks once again in another significant game, with a spot in the 2025 Grand Final on the line.
Though the rivalry has changed over time, Blicavs said it sets the stage for an epic contest and he is looking forward to the electric atmosphere at the MCG.
"It is a great rivalry, we have had some amazing games and I think both sets of fans love talking about it," Blicavs said.
"It makes for a great spectacle, it really does.
"I have been involved in some amazing games, I debuted on Easter Monday in 2013, the Preliminary Final that year. The games before that too where 'Hawk' won after the siren, Jimmy [Bartel] won it after the siren, that rivalry was a bit before my time.
"The time I have had at the club, we have had some really amazing performances and games involving them. From an atmosphere point of view, obviously you want to win the game because you are going to have a lot of passionate fans.
"It is a great rivalry for footy and we really enjoy it.
"But for us it is just business as usual, we want to play the game and win the game."
