There is a case building that Jay Polkinghorne might be a lucky charm for the Cats, but the young star is certainly making a strong contribution to Geelong's winning ways after another outstanding performance on Thursday night.
Not overawed by the occasion, 'the dragon' finished with an equal team-high three goals against Collingwood, kicking two in a tense final term to help stem the flow as the Magpies mounted a charge.
It now makes it three wins from three games at the elite level for Polkinghorne including back-to-back victories at the MCG, and he remarkably has not played in a loss at any level since Round 16 of last year's VFL season.
With another three majors on Thursday night, the emerging star has now kicked seven goals from his three AFL appearances and consistently threatens inside 50, challenging opposition defences with his aerial ability and clever leading patterns.
Polkinghorne said that while it was not a simple victory on Thursday night, it made it all the more satisfying when the final siren sounded as the Cats continued their surge back up the ladder.
"It definitely wasn't easy at all, it was a grind tonight," Polkinghorne told Cats Media.
"It was great to get a win, it is so much fun out there, honestly.
"It is such an addictive feeling, but hopefully we can get a few more wins."
His career has been on a remarkable trajectory, considering just a month ago Polkinghorne was starring for the VFL Cats and still yet to feature with Geelong's AFL side.
Even with three games under his belt, the young Cat said he can not quite fathom how quickly his career has changed.
"I can't really believe it, I am pretty blown away really," Polkinghorne admitted.
"Running out there tonight was an unbelievable feeling.
"It was dark, the lights were going off, it was a bit of a pinch me moment which was great."
Polkinghorne's emergence has symbolised Geelong's new-look forward line in recent weeks, with a number of players capitalising on their opportunities and helping to continue the Cats' potency in front of the big sticks.
Led by three goals from both Polkinghorne and Ollie Henry, the Cats found nine individual goal-kickers against the Magpies, chalking up another score of close to 100 points.
"It is going great, we always have some growth areas," the emerging Cat said about the forward structure.
"But I thought tonight, especially in the first and last quarters we played a bit better than the middle two quarters.
"I would say we are functioning pretty well, but it will be good to have Pat and Jez back when they are fit."
