Geelong forward Brad Close admits he's "surprised himself" with the heights he's reached in the AFL after taking a longer route to the elite level.
Close was drafted as a rookie after a premiership season with SANFL side Glenelg in 2019, with the lively goalsneak impressing for the Tiger as a teenager after first being overlooked at the draft in three years prior to his Geelong calling.
The Mount Gambier product would earn a nod as the Cats' best young player in his maiden season in the hoops, playing eight games as an energetic pressure forward.
While not a high accumulator on the scoresheet, Close has emerged as a key conduit across Geelong's front half to rank as one of the best defensive-minded attackers in the competition.
Now a premiership player with the Cats as well, Close won't forget his roots after sticking with the SANFL in his pursuit of a chance in the AFL.
Speaking ahead of his side's Gather Round clash with the Western Bulldogs, Close said returning to Adelaide is often a welcome reminder of where his career began.
"I've surprised myself with where I'm at now and I'm absolutely very lucky. I'm loving being in the club with the Cats," Close said in Woodville on Friday.
"It's cool to come back to the SANFL and be at these grounds, I played a few games [at Woodville]. The SANFL is a great competition and it's just great to be back in Adelaide. Friends and family will be there on the weekend, they've been on the journey as well, so it's good to have them at the game.
"It's always good to be back in South Australia. We've had some good games here in the last few years.
"A few weeks ago we were back here too and had a good win, so we're looking forward to another one tomorrow night."
The undefeated Cats will face an in-form Western Bulldogs unit - who are on their own winning run - on Saturday night in what is expected to be a tightly contested affair.
Geelong's reliance on their younger ranks and reinforcements has them in good stead to contend again after falling out of the finals frame last year, with Close commending the Cats' midfield depth for their strong start to 2024.
"The Dogs have been pretty strong since I've been in the league, they always put up a good fight, Close said, previewing his side's Round 4 meeting.
"Starting 3-0, [Saturday night] will be another good opportunity to keep moving forward. They're playing some good footy as well, so we'll be well prepared heading into tomorrow.
"We know they're really good around the ball. So we're gonna have to bring a lot of pressure which is something we look at each and every week.
"We try not to change the way we play each week but we do have to respect our opponents.
"Pressure around the footy (is going to be important), really put the squeeze on them. Last week against the Hawks we had plenty of our mids laying lots of tackles; Tanner (Bruhn) and Brandan Parfitt having been amazing in the contest.
"It's great to see some of the younger boys step up."
Geelong's attacking third have also fired across their wins over St Kilda, Adelaide and Hawthorn, with the club's front-half display so far mirroring the forward efficiency that took them to a flag two years ago.
The additions of Oliver Henry and Ollie Dempsey have further sharpened the Cats' spear, with the latter earning plenty of praise from Close after an exhilarating first three games.
"Ollie has started the season really well," Close said.
"Our forward seven have gelled really well to start the season. At times last year we missed a bit of that connection and finishing touches heading forward.
"So it's really good having Ollie in the side, and Shauny Mannagh also coming in for a couple of games also. He's putting on spots as well."
Geelong will look to go 4-0 this weekend when they meet the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night - the second leg in a double-header at the venue.
