GEELONG has moved to reward Mark Blicavs' impressive start to the season, locking him away on a five-year deal. 

The 27-year-old, who has moved to defence this season, inked a fresh contract this week tying him to the club until the end of 2023.

Geelong has a history of five-year extensions, Blicavs' teammates Harry Taylor and Tom Hawkins signing similar deals in recent years.

"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 on Friday.

"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."

With injuries to key defenders Lachie Henderson and Taylor, Blicavs has been forced to pick up a number of key jobs this season.

Melbourne's Jesse Hogan, St Kilda's Paddy McCartin and Port Adelaide's Charlie Dixon are key forwards Blicavs has nullified in Geelong wins.

"Mark has developed into a key member of our team, who fills many key roles for us," Geelong General Manager of Football Simon Lloyd.

"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."

Geelong's 2015 best and fairest winner, Blicavs has played 117 games in his six years at the club, a late convert after an early career as a steeplechaser.