Flag glory drives Guthrie

Cameron Guthrie of Geelong in action during the AFL Round 12 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Geelong Cats at Marvel Stadium on 3 June. AAP Image/James Ross

New Geelong life member Cam Guthrie says the prospect of tasting premiership success with the Cats is his main motivation to keep pushing the limits.

Guthrie and good friend Mark Blicavs will become the first players since 2018 to receive life membership at Geelong at the club’s Hall of Fame night in July.

The pair have carved out impressive careers, with 29-year-old Guthrie notching 217 games and 31-year-old Blicavs 215.

But one glaring void in their resume is premiership glory.

Guthrie, a first-round draft pick in 2010, played the opening two rounds of the 2011 campaign before watching on from the sidelines as Geelong claimed the flag later that year.

He has since played in four losing preliminary finals and the 2020 grand-final defeat to Richmond.

Blicavs, who made his debut in 2013, has featured in five losing preliminary finals and the 2020 losing grand final.

Premiership success has proved evasive for the pair to date, but Guthrie is more motivated than ever to change that.

“It’s the main driving factor in why I still put so much effort into my career, being able to lift the premierships cup and share that with teammates who I’ve played a lot of footy with, and my brother now as well,” Guthrie said.

“Super motivated to attack this year and give it our best shot.”

Blicavs is proud to be able to share the life membership milestone with Guthrie.

“Being family friends, we grew up together,” Blicavs said.

“Guth’s one of my best mates. We played indoor cricket, basketball – all different spots together.

“So to share that with him and have this journey has been pretty surreal. Hopefully can continue to play a few more years with him.”

Geelong (8-4) sit fifth on the ladder and start as hot favourites to beat last-placed West Coast in Perth on Saturday.