Versatility, flexibility and adaptability have all been crucial to Geelong’s success this year, with the Cats able to constantly shift the magnets and keep opposition sides guessing.

Numerous players have the ability to play in different roles, with the likes of Mark Blicavs, Jack Bowes and Jack Martin all able to effect the game in positions across the ground. 

Among those developing their flexibility this season is Gryan Miers, who has seen a significant spike in centre bounce attendances in the back half of the year, becoming an integral part of Geelong’s midfield rotation.

After not attending a centre stoppage through to Round 18 of the season, Miers attended 41% of centre bounces from Round 19 to the Qualifying Final, including 61% in the Round 21 clash with Port Adelaide. 

It has been another subtle but brilliant shift from Chris Scott and the Cats coaching staff, with Miers crediting the adaptability that has been a huge part of what Geelong has achieved so far in 2025. 

"I think the coaches just decided it was about time," Miers said. 

"I have been a hybrid mid-forward for the last two to three years, I think they just decided that with the addition of Jack Martin, the way Brad Close and Shaun Mannagh are going, that they can use me in different ways.

Thanks to the other boys in the midfield, I have been able to complement them well and they are complementing me well, it has worked really well in that last little bit of the season.

"Now I think we are in a good position that we have different strengths as a midfield group and as a forward group, I think we saw in that Brisbane game that we can all play in different positions.

"I didn't know where I was going to line up, but it is the best strength that we have." 

The penultimate week of the season is certainly not an unfamiliar stage for Miers, who is preparing for his sixth Preliminary Final in seven years at the top level. 

The three non-Covid affected Preliminary Finals have all been played at the MCG, in front of an average crowd of over 88,000 spectators. 

Those previous experiences have held Miers in good stead, as the Cats prepare for another blockbuster clash in front of a packed house at the home of football. 

"There is definitely a different energy, it is a fantastic energy," Miers said. 

"When you win that first week you have got two weeks to build into it, so some nights you are confident and some nights you are nervous.

"There is a bit of a change up and getting that mentality right but once the ball is bounced, it is pretty cliche that it is just another game of footy.

"The intensity is higher but the coolest head always prevails, I think that is an important thing is just to stay calm and do what you have done all year, do what you have done your whole career."

Miers also said he relishes the opportunity of playing at the MCG once again, as the Cats look to build on their 5-1 record at the venue in 2025. 

"I love playing at the MCG, so I am pretty happy to play there this week," Miers said. 

"I think it is the best place to play football in Australia, it has such good tradition and history behind it that I love playing there.

"You have to win the Grand Final at the MCG, so getting that practice in if we were to win this game, we have had three games in a row there now which is a good lead in.

"I am pretty happy to play there and it suits my game, so I am happy to keep going there."