Geelong coach Chris Scott has praised midfielder Brandan Parfitt for his persistence after the team's thrilling four-point win over the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
Parfitt has been a solid contributor for the Cats since returning to the senior line-up three weeks ago, and his excellent defensive performances have not gone unnoticed by his coach.
The 25-year-old is a key cog in Geelong's midfield with his clearance work and strong tackling a feature of his game.
Parfitt gathered 19 disposals, laid eight tackles and had a team-high eight clearances in the Cats' 14.11 (95) to 14.7 (91) win over the Bulldogs at the Adelaide Oval as part of the AFL's Gather Round.
Coach Scott lauded the performance when speaking to the media after the match, stating that Parfitt was a great example of hard working paying off.
"It has been tough for him but he's a good example of really persisting and not dropping his bundle," Scott said.
"He has had a few niggles over the years that hurt his continuity a bit, but he had a great preseason this year that gave him every chance."
The 2022 AFL premiership player has found it difficult to establish a regular spot in the team, featuring in just nine games last year, including five as the Cats' medical substitute.
The tough midfielder came into the team for the clash against Adelaide in Round 2 and has averaged 20 disposals, five clearances and just under ten tackles per game across his three matches in 2024.
The Larrakia and Warramungu man has taken his AFL opportunities with both hands, thriving in the absence of injured midfielders Patrick Dangerfield and Cam Guthrie.
"I think almost every side, if you're the midfielder that's the next one in or the second one inline, those guys are pretty good players," Scott added.
"Every team in the competition has a pretty good midfield, there is no shame at all in being a little bit behind those guys and that is where he found himself, playing well enough to play AFL footy but just behind a pretty good group.
"This year it has opened up for him and he has taken that chance, and I am really proud of him."
Parfitt has played 123 games for the Cats since making his debut during the 2017 season.
Geelong are one of three teams still unbeaten so far in 2024 – alongside Carlton and Greater Western Sydney – and are set to face North Melbourne next weekend at GMHBA Stadium.
