Geelong utility Mark Blicavs says the Cats are feeling "hurt" following their 47-point Grand Final loss on Saturday but believes the group should feel proud of the season they had, which saw them achieve a 17-win season for just the second time since 2016.
Blicavs' impact on the day was not as elite as seen in the Cats' qualifying final win over Brisbane three weeks earlier, recording just 11 disposals and two clearances. However, he did put up a good fight in the ruck as Rhys Stanley underwhelmed, recording 28 hitouts, with 28.6% going to advantage, a game-high.
"We're really proud of the group and the season we had. We need to stick together," Blicavs said post-game.
"It's tough, it hurts. You put yourself in this position and there's a a winner and a loser and it does hurt. But we're really proud of how we consistently get into this position."
Blicavs highlighted Geelong's inability to prevent Brisbane from dominating the uncontested possession game was costly, as the constant duress defensively had a knock-on effect on their ability to capitalise on the attack.
"[Brisbane] were really clean around the ball, we couldn't get it off them," Blicavs said.
"We didn't defend as well as we would have liked to. When they can control like that and we defend for a long time, we were a bit fatigued in attack as well."
Blicavs highlighted the immense efforts of Geelong's young players, and revealed what the Cats' veteran leaders told them as it became clear the game was no longer winnable.
"We were telling [the young players] late in the game to hold your head up high," Blicavs said.
"We haven't won this game but try be good losers, stay humble and just hold your head up high.
When I think of the young guys, I think of 'Sully' [Connor O'Sullivan], I think of Lawson [Humphries], Dempsey, these young guys have had amazing seasons and they've helped us get here.
"I tell them, 'don't mind that it hurts, use it to fuel your game.'
"It hurts but we're just going to stick together and do what we've done every season that I've been at the club; regroup and go again."
