AS HE prepares to take on North Melbourne in Friday night's second semi-final, Geelong utility Jackson Thurlow will be hoping the clash is the second of many finals with the Cats after recently re-signing to the end of 2015.
Thurlow, the Cats' first selection in the 2012 national draft at No.16 overall, was due to come out of contract at the end of this season, but AFL.com.au understands he recently re-signed with Geelong for one more year.
The Tasmanian has played nine games in his two seasons at Geelong, including five this season.
He made his finals debut last Friday night, coming on as the Cats' substitute in the final quarter of their 36-point qualifying loss to Hawthorn.
Thurlow has been named on the interchange bench in Geelong's team for the second semi-final.
The 20-year-old has been earmarked as a possible successor in defence to Corey Enright and James Kelly, when the star Geelong veterans eventually retire.
But he has spent time in the midfield and at half-forward with the Cats' VFL team this year.
Thurlow made his AFL debut in round seven last season, impressing with 17 possessions against Essendon.
He held his spot in the Cats' team for the next three weeks before his season was disrupted by a broken cheekbone.
In 2014, Thurlow has spent extended time in the VFL, playing just one senior game in the first 20 rounds, in round six against Port Adelaide.
But after earning a recall in round 21 against Carlton, Thurlow has grabbed his chance and is set to play his fifth consecutive game for the Cats, on Friday night against North.
