Mark Blicavs was a crucial contributor in a variety of roles as Geelong claimed top spot on the AFL ladder with an emphatic win over Melbourne.

Geelong coach Chris Scott has hailed Mark Blicavs as a truly unique player in the AFL after he put his versatility on full display in Thursday night's win over Melbourne.

At various stages throughout the emphatic 28-point victory, which thrust the Cats into top spot on the ladder, Blicavs rucked against star Demons Max Gawn and Luke Jackson.

He also marked gun midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver as a 'cooler' at stoppages and found plenty of ball himself, most of it forward of centre.

The Cats' utility finished with 14 disposals, three clearances, seven score involvements and five tackles.

He also attended 19 centre bounces - the second-most of any Geelong player on the night.

"He's just a really important player for us," Scott said.

"It's often misused in AFL, but he's unique. There's no-one else like him."

Blicavs boasts unusual athleticism and mobility for a player who stands 198cm tall and weighs 101kg.

It allows the Cats to employ him across multiple positions - often in the same game.

"I don't think there's anyone else that plays the role that he plays for us," Scott said.

"Whenever we've played well, he's been a feature.

"Whether it's been obvious with the amount of ball he's got or not, he's always been important to the way we set up."

Blicavs was a talented middle-distance runner and steeplechaser before joining Geelong via the 2012 rookie draft.

He has played 218 games for the Cats and earned life membership of the club, and might yet have a premiership medal around his neck at the end of the season.

"Mark is just a pro," Scott said.

"He just came in with an insatiable appetite to learn a game, to be frank, that he didn't know much about.

"But he's an expert now."