MATTHEW EGAN CARVES ANOTHER NOTCH IN BELT WITH BROWN
Justin Kremmer 20 June 2007

By Justin Kremmer GEELONG defender and No. 19 Matt Egan was determined to succeed going into last weekend's match against the Brisbane Lions knowing his opponent was Jonathan Brown, but it was his solid performance in the end that assisted the Cats to a 50 point win.

Egan, who sized up perfectly on Brown, restricted the Brisbane powerhouse forward to just two goals and 13 possessions. Although it is only his third year with Geelong, Egan is noticing the difference around the club and his own contribution has improved markedly.

"My first year I probably wasn't up to it. But just being able to keep up with really good players is the aim. I'm doing it at the moment and hopefully I can keep doing it for the rest of the year," Egan told gfc.com.au.

With support from the likes of Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett and Geelong skipper, Tom Harley, he finds their assistance helpful to his progression as a premier defender in the AFL.

"Scarlo, Harls and Dash have played 150 games together and then you've got Corey Enright just slipping in there," he said. "It's very enjoyable, it's probably the tightest I've ever felt it in my three years."

Egan also admits that the team's success can influence the players' support for one another, particularly in defence.

"It probably helps when you're winning but it's been great. I think it's good for me because they rely on me a bit but they're helping me out as well."

With the signs he's showing and the improvement he has made, Egan has proven to be a massive aid to the Geelong backline and there is no doubt that, as he continues to learn, the Cats will benefit.

Meanwhile, Geelong's Andrew Mackie will have a fitness test after the week's break to check his ankle.