Geelong coach Chris Scott has stated the rise of Tom Atkins has come as little surprise, with the emerging midfielder stunningly revealing he believes he's still "on the fringe" of selection despite leading the Cats' engine room this season.
Atkins was once again among Geelong's best over the weekend, recording 24 touches, 5 clearances and a team-high 7 tackles in a dependable defensive performance against Port Adelaide.
In what has been a purple patch for the Cats onballer, who is beginning to stand tall in a Geelong midfield ensemble with no pre-eminent star, Scott noted that Atkins' run of form has come as no surprise to those inside the four walls of Kardinia Park.
Speaking to media after the thrilling 12-point win over the Power, Scott also drew attention to the club's fluidity among its coaching cohort that has given Atkins the best opportunity to hone his defensive caper.
"He's just been terrific for us without surprising us," Scott said.
"Especially Shaun Grigg, working with him really closely. James Kelly, working a bit more with our defenders sort of identified some things that would work in the midfield.
"It's nice for those guys when a plan comes together.
"It probably speaks a little bit to the system we have. We don't have a territorial group of assistant coaches
"When the back guy's helping the midfield guy with one of the guys that's in really good form. I think it's a good sign."
While Scott and Cats fans will be over the moon with Atkins' rise, the hard-nosed onballer has kept a lid on his progression since arriving through the 2019 Rookie Draft as a selection out of Geelong's VFL system.
Self-proclaimed as being "on the fringe" of Geelong's best 22, the 26-year-old was modest in how he saw his own game.
“I don’t care where I play, I’m just happy to be in the 22 at the moment," Atkins told Fox Sports after the victory.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
"There are a lot of great guys in the VFL that are missing out at the moment, so I think we owe it to them to play well – I owe it to them because I’m on the fringe
"So I’m just happy that we’re able to win.”
Saturday's win sees the Cats further strengthen their place atop the premiership standings, having now claimed nine-straight victories as they set their sights on September action.
Scott's side will again come up against a finals hopeful club in their run home, hosting the Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium next Saturday night.
