Former steeplechaser Mark Blicavs is set to be handed the toughest assignment in the AFL in Thursday night’s clash at the SCG.
A marking job on Lance Franklin.
Key injuries to Geelong backmen Tom Lonergan and Corey Enright have forced the club into a defensive restructure for their crunch match against Sydney.
With Kurt Tippett and Franklin headlining a giant forward-line, ably assisted by Sam Reid and Adam Goodes, it’s fair to say the Cats haven’t timed their run well.
Lonergan has failed to come up from a concussion last week, while Enright has a ankle injury which worsened during the week.
The omission of Lonergan is particularly tough, considering his great track record subduing Franklin during his Hawthorn days.
Step forward Mark Blicavs.
Blicavs last played as a defender in under-age footy a decade ago, but filled in for Lonergan after he left the field against the Kangaroos and impressed marking North Melbourne tyro Majak Daw.
Geelong football manager Neil Balme suggested it is that showing and pure “dumb hope” gave him confidence to hand the former athletics star the huge job.
“He was pretty good last week,” Balme said.
“We’re pretty confident he has the tools to do that.”
Confirming he would slot into the Cats defence, Balme said the club was still on a journey to discover Blicavs’ capabilities after 31 games at the club.
“Can he play a running midfielder? Probably,” Balme mused.
“Can he play a key defender… we think we should give him some time doing that.”
“Can he play a key attacker, probably as well.”
Either way, the clubs will know a great deal more about Blicavs’ defensive capabilities after Thursday night.
Geelong have recalled Billy Smedts and Steve Johnson in the pair’s absence.
Balme admitted Geelong were “a little bit skinny at the moment” but said his side would relish the contest between two finals-bound sides.
“We are confident but they’re as good as you’re going to come up against aren’t they?”
“It’ll be a challenge, it will be fantastic to see.”
The Swans have made just one change, with Ben McGlynn replacing Brandon Jack.
Coach John Longmire said he was pleased to have McGlynn, who leads the club’s tackle count, back in the side after illness.
“He’s hard at the ball, he’s quick and those are the sorts of players you need against Geelong in particular,” he said.
Balme said the returning Steve Johnson “won’t have been hurt” by the week’s rest his suspension served him.
“If you win and the bloke gets a week’s rest, you convince yourself it was probably not a bad thing,” he said.
Geelong could end up as low as sixth by the end of the round with a loss.