Geelong utility Mark Blicavs says he is eager to play on as 300-game milestone in sight

Mark Blicavs turns 34 this week, yet he remains an integral part of the Cats side. Coming out of contract at the end of the year, does he have the desire to play on?

Evergreen Geelong utility Mark Blicavs says he is eager to play on beyond this season but is focusing on footy rather than the prospect of a new deal.

Blicavs, who turns 34 on Friday, fall out of contract at the end of this season and has made a strong start to his 13th campaign in a key defender-ruck tandem with Sam De Koning.

The versatile veteran remains an integral part of Geelong’s side and was among the Cats’ best players in their loss to St Kilda on Saturday night.

Continuing his career beyond 2025 will put a 300-game milestone within reach next year, a feat that seemed near-on impossible when he left a promising career in middle distance running in 2012 to sign with Geelong as a Category B rookie. .

The 272-game Cat says his motivation and enjoyment is high in a role that is giving him “freedom”, and his body is feeling good after an uninterrupted pre-season.

Mark Blicavs celebrates a goal against the Saints. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“I think I’d definitely like to go on further than this year. I’ve really enjoyed the pre-season and when you are feeling good in your body and not as injured – I’m running a bit better out there on ground – you enjoy football a lot more,” Blicavs said.

“So I’m really enjoying it, I’m motivated, I’m loving playing with these guys. So I’m not worrying too much, I have a great relationship with ‘Mack’ (football boss Andrew Mackie) and the club, and we’ll chat when we need to, but just enjoy playing footy at the moment.”

Blicavs said he hasn’t thought about his own contract despite the recent re-signings of goalkicker Jeremy Cameron until the end of 2027, and young talents Ollie Henry (2027), Toby Conway (2027) and Shannon Neale (2028), but he won’t be playing anywhere else.

“I’m pumped that they’re all signing and all that, and I definitely wouldn’t be going anywhere – I love this club,” Blicavs said.

“So yeah, who knows. I’ll chat with my dad as (my) manager and ‘Mack’, but right now, I’m just really focused on playing footy.”

“To be honest, I really haven’t thought about it. So yeah, I’m very comfortable where I am right now, it’s really good.”

The dual Carji Greeves medallist quipped that the loss of speed is less of a factor for him than other players in their twilight years.

He feels that entering the AFL as a 21-year-old will help in prolonging his career.

Mark Blicavs at Geelong training on Tuesday. Picture: Alison Wynd

“My body’s feeling really good and touch wood, I haven’t had too many nasty injuries, and because I hadn’t come from a contact sport up until 21, maybe my body’s feeling a bit fresher,” Blicavs said.

“I don’t have any speed to lose because I didn’t have speed in the first place, so that’s always a good thing, but I think while I’m motivated enjoying football and able to contribute, I’ll be here.

“And yeah, who knows, I’m still working hard. I think the moment I decide to take shortcuts and not prep the way I want to is probably the time I finish up with it.”

Blicavs’ Sunbury junior teammate Cam Guthrie, whose father helped esteemed recruiter Stephen Wells discover the Blicavs, two-time premiership player Mitch Duncan and 34-year-old Rhys Stanley are also out of contract at the end of 2025.

Guthrie, 32, has managed just 10 games in two seasons due to a cruel injury run and is listed as ‘TBC’ with his troublesome Achilles issue which has plagued him since round 10 last year

Duncan and Stanley played in last year’s preliminary final but the duo have started the 2025 season in the VFL. .

Blicavs has played in almost every position on the ground during his career and has worked closely with De Koning with his ruck switch.

He believes De Koning offers a lot for the Cats in his hybrid ruck-defender role.

Sam De Koning competes against Rowan Marshall. Picture: Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

“I’ve been working closely with Sam, and I think he’s really starting to see where his strengths lie through that centre bounce,” Blicavs said.

“He had a big growth when he was younger - he played a lot as a midfielder - so he likes being around the ball. He likes getting the touches and getting it forward, but he’s also a gun defender, so we’re trying to use his role to the best strength we can and I think he’s had a great start the season.”

Blicavs said coach Chris Scott trusts the pair to make their own switches within games and that Stanley will “definitely” come into the selection frame.

“He’s consistent, he’s going really well at the moment. They’ve just decided (De Koning) is the ruck at this stage, which is going really well,” Blicavs said.

“But I think there will be a lot of players spin through this team, and that’s the real positive.”

Originally published as Geelong utility Mark Blicavs says he is eager to play on as 300-game milestone in sight