Geelong have not been afraid to shift the magnets this year and it has helped to spark a remarkable seven-game winning streak, but one of those moves has certainly paid dividends with Chantal Mason rolling into the ruck. 

The move was prevalent during last Friday's victory over Richmond, when Mason was injected through the middle of the ground to support Piper Dunlop, getting her hands on the footy and continually sending Geelong into attack. 

Ultimately, she amassed a career-high 21 disposals, far more than her previous best of 14 disposals, but also generated close to 300 metres gained and recorded four score involvements. 

When Mason was not providing relief in the ruck for Dunlop, she swung back inside forward 50 and continued to have a profound impact, a role that the young Cat said she is embracing as the 2026 season unfolds. 

"I really enjoy it," Mason told Cats Media. 

"I think it is a good contrast, to be able to go around the ball.

"It is a lot quicker and then getting to go forward, kind of working alongside the girls down there. I have done a lot of work over the pre-season with them, so keep on building that connection.

"I really enjoy it, it is good to be around the ball and alongside some fresh faces as well."

Mason's emergence in 2026 has been a byproduct of what the Cats have been able to achieve so far, recording their seventh straight win with victory over the Tigers on Friday night. 

Tied at the top of the ladder with a 7-1 record, Geelong now have eyes on securing a top four spot on the ladder, entering the final month of the home-and-away season. 

Next up on the schedule is the GWS Giants on Saturday afternoon, a team that is currently in the midst of a seven game losing streak, but they have fallen by less than 10 points in each of their last three outings. 

It will be the chance for the Cats to build on their victory over Richmond last week, where they staved off a strong challenge in the opening half before kicking away late, wrestling back the ascendancy after the main break. 

Mason provided some insight into the performance and what Geelong will be looking to develop, as the competition heads into the final stretch before Finals. 

"I think the first half obviously was a bit rushed, and probably not getting to play our style of game, the way we want to play," Mason said. 

"But I think by the end of it, that second half we came out firing, which is what we were after.

"It was good to get that done. I think it is just good to be getting those opportunities, definitely needing a bit more polish and finishing off some of those goals and marks.

"But it is good to have those opportunities and to find myself in the right spot at least, but I am always looking to keep building."