The 24-year-old won his first "Carji" Greeves Medal after polling 177 votes – 10 clear of second-placed Steven Motlop (167) and 12 clear of skipper Joel Selwood (165) in third spot. Evergreen defender Corey Enright (157) and tagger Cameron Guthrie (150) rounded out the top five.

It caps off a remarkable transformation as an elite athlete for Blicavs who tried out for the 2012 Summer Olympics as a steeplechaser. Before being recruited by the Cats at pick No.54 in the 2012 rookie draft, Blicavs had hardly played any competitive football.

But Geelong's huge punt has paid off dividends with the 24-year-old missing just four games since debuting in 2013 for a career tally of 66. Blicavs, who last month signed a three-year contract extension, had a breakout season in 2015 as an athletic ruckman who doubled as a midfielder once the ball hit the ground.

He led the club for hitouts and tackles this season while also averaging 18 touches a game and Selwood was the only Cat who had more contested possessions than him.

"Mark demonstrated his ability to play well in a variety of roles for us," Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

"We used him as a key defender, a midfielder and as a ruckman and he was consistently good in every job we gave him.

"Mark continues to develop his game and we feel he still has more upside in his development.

"To have earned this award in just his third year of football is a tribute to his work ethic and dedication, and to those that have worked closely with him over the past three years.

"His willingness to learn and his application to be the best he can be as a professional footballer is second to none."

2015 'Carji' Greeves Medal Top 10

1. Mark Blicavs - 177

2. Steven Motlop -167

3. Joel Selwood - 165

4. Corey Enright - 157

5. Cameron Guthrie - 150

6. Tom Lonergan - 133

7. Josh Caddy - 122

8. Harry Taylor - 121

9. Tom Hawkins  - 112

10. Steve Johnson - 94