Geelong coach Chris Scott says cutting corners is difficult, when it comes to the development of young footballers moving from VFL level to AFL level.

During this transition period, Scott believes the important stages of a footballer’s growth is a process that can be rarely rushed.  

“I think the most relevant thing for our younger players is their physical and football development… particularly if it’s your first year playing against men,” Scott told Cats TV on Tweet the Coach.  

Once this has been achieved, the player will be required to become attuned to their specific responsibilities when out on the field.  

“When we’re talking specifically about the game itself, we think that making sure that you understand the role that you need to play at AFL level and executing that at VFL level is important.”

However, the most fundamental part of their development is showing they’ve got the drive and the hunger to outplay their opponent on both levels.

“... it's showing our coaching staff and senior players that you can win the ball in the contest,” Scott said.

“It’s one thing to be able to do that at VFL level but we know at AFL level all the players are very component in that area.

“So it’s probably difficult in our system to make the step from VFL level to AFL level without consistently winning contests.”

This statement from Scott only reiterates how extraordinary Mark Blicavs’ transition has been over such a short time frame of less than two years, having virtually made a seamless switch from the steeplechase track to the AFL stage.

As well as his natural athleticism, Scott says Blicavs’ tenacity to learn has won him the spot in Geelong’s AFL side.

Considering how tough it is to crack into Scott’s senior side as a developing Cat, demonstrates just how much Scott values player’s who possess the passion to learn and improve, despite how talented and experienced they are.

“My view is that he is improving every single week and almost every session,” Scott said.

“He’s got an insatiable thirst for knowledge and an insatiable thirst to improve his game.

“If you combine that with his athletic attributes and his natural talent it’s a pretty formidable package."

When it comes to “remarkable” stories, Blicavs is the player that comes to Scott’s mind.

Since Geelong picked up the aspiring Olympian in the middle of 2012, the 23-year-old has played four VFL games, followed by an astonishing total of 40 AFL games, starting from round 1 in 2013.   

“It’s quite a unique situation to have such an experienced group of players who have performed well on the big stage, to throw in a guy who hadn’t played football for seven to eight years and is learning at such a rapid rate,” Scott explained.

“I think he’s been a fantastic example for even our senior players in that you can always learn something new and you can always improve your game whether you’re 21 or 31.

“It’s a remarkable story and it’s one that goes to show that you need some baseline talent but the work ethic and your ability to learn I reckon trumps that.”

Although the Cats are still deciding on Blicavs’ future role, Scott currently sees him working along side Hamish McIntosh or Dawson Simpson in the middle.  

“We think his best position is a second ruckman but we still don’t know?” Scott said.

“We’ve played him in defence at times and he’s probably surprised us on the up side and we think he can play as a genuine forward as well.”

Catch more from Chris Scott on this week's Tweet the Coach. To view click on the video above.