ZACH Guthrie believes a regular spot in the Geelong defence in 2022 is the dividend on his investment in improving himself every pre-season since joining the club.
The 24-year-old has played a career-high 19 games this year, of which 16 have been consecutive, as he has turned himself from fringe dweller to vital cog in the Cats’ defence.
“I’ve always come back to trying to control what you can control, and that’s been trying to better my game,” Guthrie told krockfootball.com.au.
“I feel like I’ve worked pretty hard in most off-seasons, and this year I’m probably starting to see the reward a little bit more.
“But, I think it’s been a culmination of working on some deficiencies in a few areas of my game and trying to get my body up to the level where I feel I can perform.
“Stuff like that can take guys a bit longer, and that’s probably taken me a little longer.
“But, I have felt a little more confident that I can match it at the level this year, which is good.”
Guthrie, who joined Geelong through the 2017 rookie draft, admits it was frustrating at times, as he managed just four games across 2019-20 combined before featuring on 13 occasions, including two finals, last year.
“That’s natural; everyone in the squad wants to be part of it,” he said.
“That’s the challenging thing; there’s only 22 spots a week, which the maths doesn’t add up for 45 guys on the list.
“There are times where you can be disappointed if you find yourself out of the team, and that’s just natural.
“I’ve always tried to stay really positive and not showcase to others that I am disappointed.
“That helps when you get the chance. If you are dwelling on what could have been and being out of the side, I don’t think you’re doing yourself any favours for when you do come in to try and feel you are still a part of it.”
The 24-year-old says family support has been crucial during the challenging periods of his career.
“I’ve got a tight-knit family; I’ve got three brothers, and my parents have always been an amazing support for me,” Guthrie said.
“My parents are certainly my biggest fans. They’ve always shown a good dedication to us boys growing up, and I can always rely on them to be in my corner.
“And there’s been other guys at the club. Coaches were always chatting to me and trying to help me get better.”
After re-signing a one-year deal for this season, speculation has a two-year contract on the table for Guthrie to extend his career at Geelong until at least the end of 2024.
Managed by his dad Andrew, Guthrie is happy where that situation stands.
However, he’s more concerned about the Cats’ preliminary final meeting with the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Friday night.
“The relevant people at working through that in the background,” he said.
“I’m just really excited, individually, about the prospect of playing in a prelim this week, to be honest.
“You don’t get these opportunities too often at times.
“That’s where all my focus is at.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
