GEELONG has shown great faith in one of its most important players, with gun utility Mark Blicavs signing a long-term deal to remain with the club.

The Cats announced on Friday morning that Blicavs, 27, had signed a five-year deal, tying him to the club until at least the end of the 2023 season.

After winning the club’s best and fairest in 2015, Blicavs struggled with injury and form over the following two seasons.

But after the retirements of Tom Lonergan and Andrew Mackie, as well as injuries to Lachie Henderson and Harry Taylor, Blicavs has thrived since being sent into defence.

Finals Week 1

Blicavs said his new deal highlighted how much trust the Cats were prepared to put in him.

“Being a one-club player is important to me and the club has shown a lot of faith in me in providing that opportunity,” Blicavs said.

LIVE stream the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership on FOX SPORTS. Get your free 2-week trial >. If you’re overseas, you can still stream it LIVE on Watch AFL >

Mark Blicavs of the Cats. Source: AAP

“I love the club and the people, and from the first time I stepped inside the club I have wanted to be here. Everything here is first class and there is no other group I would want to run out with each week. The focus is on doing everything we can to again be challenging at the end of the season.”

Since moving into the backline, Blicavs has averaged career-high disposal efficiency, spoils and intercept possessions.

Cats football manager Simon Lloyd said Blicavs had developed into a key member of the team that could play in many roles.

“His ability to play in so many positions provides us with flexibility in selection and within games. Coupled with his outstanding athletic ability, Mark is unique within the AFL,” Lloyd said.

Get the ultimate AFL experience on your phone with the new FOX FOOTY App. Download it NOW for FREE on iOS and Android!

“Mark has also shown himself to be an exceptional leader who is highly influential within the playing group, and has been a member of the club’s player leadership group.

“Mark is also committed to our club’s vision to be more than a football club, as evidenced by his work within our community programs, particularly in the ‘Read the Play’ program.”

Since making his debut in 2013, Blicavs has gone on to play 117 games and kick 35 goals for the Cats.

Blicavs’ signature was one of the most important for the Cats heading into the 2018 season.

Geelong is now set to turn its attention to classy midfielder-defender Cameron Guthrie, who’ll be a restricted free agent at season’s end if he remains unsigned.