Jed Bews thought he’d run out of time.
Languishing in the VFL without a senior game to his name as Geelong pushed towards another finals berth, the veteran defender finally got his chance in Round 20 against North Melbourne.
Recalled for the final-round win over West Coast, Bews maintained his spot for the qualifying final victory over Port Adelaide.
“It’s been a strange year,” he said. “I’ve timed it quite well and got myself in at the important time (of the season).
“Going back and playing VFL, we were quite successful this year in the twos, which made it a lot easier.
“And easier to work on the things I wanted to work on – getting around the footy a bit more; attacking a little bit more.
“Having the success back there definitely helps and makes it a lot more enjoyable than what it potentially could have been.”
Bews, who has 170 games to his name, admits 2024 has been a mental battle, but having his parents sharing his house for the moment has been important.
Dad Andrew, a former Geelong captain who played 207 games for the Cats before ending his career with 75 games with Brisbane, has been a constant sounding board.
“Having Dad under the same roof, to go and pick his brain… because he’s been through all this and more, Bews said.
“Leaning on him a little bit has been great.”
CATS: HISTORY NO GUIDE – HENRY
Against Port Adelaide, Bews held the dangerous Willie Rioli – who kicked 4.3 from a season-high seven shots at goal in the Power’s Round 9 win at GMHBA Stadium – to 1.1 from eight disposals.
A match-up with dangerous Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron this week looms, with Bews keeping his defensive philosophy simple.
“Just stay as close as you can,” he said.
“If he’s going to kick some goals, you want him to be boundary line snapping over his head.
“If he kicks some freaky goals, I’ll cop that.”
Out of contract at the end of the season, Bews says discussions between Geelong and his management about a 14th season with the club are underway.
“They’re working away in the background,” he said.
X: @krockfootball
