GEELONG key defender Mark Blicavs says the battle in the midfield will shape Friday night’s win or go home encounter with Melbourne.

Blicavs told RSN 927 that the Cats would need to hold their own with the Demons’ talented midfield group, if Geelong is to progress and take on the loser of the first qualifying final between Richmond and Hawthorn.

“They’re unbelievable in the midfield, their contested work is phenomenal and they attack really well,” he said.

“We’re probably going to need to try to beat them up as best we can around the ball and get it going our way but it’s easier said than done – they’re really elite around the ball.

“They get a huge amount of inside 50s so they force sides to defend and you have no energy to attack so the previous couple of times I’ve played them, personally I’ve been pretty gassed because of the repeat inside 50s.”

Geelong built some momentum in the last two weeks of the season with consecutive triple figure victories against Fremantle and the Gold Coast and will need every bit of it come Friday night.

“We’re very confident but we’ve got a very tough opponent ahead. They’ve troubled us this year – both games under a kick,” Blicavs said.

 “They were amazing games to be a part of – they’ve both been unbelievably close. We look at footage of previous games this year of the way we played against them and the way they played against us. We look at what our strengths are and how we think our way can beat them.”  

Although he has the ability to play multiple positions, Blicavs confirmed that he would be lining up in defence at the MCG.

Tom McDonald appears the likely opponent for the re-born defender, while Sam Weideman has also found some form for Melbourne.

“I’ll be playing backline – I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

“That position has suited me mostly this year and we felt the last couple of weeks myself, Hendo and Harry Taylor have all worked pretty well together.”

Blicavs says it will be business as usual on Friday night for Geelong’s big names and hopes the second tier of Cats come along with them. 

“They (Geelong’s big names) will come out firing no doubt, they’re champions of the game and they always do,” he said.

“They check off their recovery, I’m sure they’re in bed before nine o’clock every night, they’re eating really well, but in saying that they do that throughout the year and that’s why they’re greats of the game.” 

“They’ll be prepared as anyone on-field to play well and give it a red-hot crack, but the key is to bring that next group of players through to bring it just as much as Sel and Paddy and Hawk will.”