The development of the 198cm Mark Blicavs has stunned everyone at Simonds Stadium given he's played only a handful of games since under-14s Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun
THE fairytale story of the summer will be confirmed tomorrow with Geelong set to upgrade former steeplechaser Mark Blicavs to its senior list.
Blicavs and fellow rookie Josh Walker will be thrown straight into the deep end to share the ruck duties against Hawthorn in the Easter Monday blockbuster.
With the Cats' four senior-listed ruckmen all injured, the inexperienced pair have been forced to carry the load throughout the pre-season.
The development of the 198cm Blicavs, who joined the Cats midway through last year after giving up his running career, has stunned everyone at Simonds Stadium given he's played only a handful of games since under-14s.
Geelong football manager Neil Balme said both youngsters had done enough to warrant playing in the Cats' season opener.
"We have got three spaces on the long-term injury list so it's easy to do and probably he (Blicavs) and Walker, we would more than likely elevate," Balme said. "The two boys have both gone through the NAB Cup and been quite competitive.
"We haven't made the decision, but it would be very unlikely that we wouldn't upgrade the two of them ... probably by Tuesday I would think."
The Cats had hoped premiership ruckman Trent West, who had minor knee surgery last month, could get up for the opening game after he trained with the main group last week.
But they're unlikely to take a punt on his fitness, instead opting for the X-factor that Blicavs brings with his running ability and vertical leap.
Hawthorn's biggest concern remains key defender Brian Lake.
Lake is back in training after suffering a calf injury during the NAB Cup but, with the Hawks having had a 16-day break between their final pre-season match and Round 1, there's a strong likelihood the key recruit will be forced to find match fitness outside the AFL.
Skipper Luke Hodge (knee) is in the same boat, but is training well after surgery and is likely to return to competitive footy next weekend regardless of the competition.
Josh Gibson, who copped two heavy knocks to his ribs during the club's final practice match against the Kangaroos, is expected to be fit to face the Cats' big forwards.
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