Retired triple AFL premiership star Jimmy Bartel says his former Geelong teammate Mark Blicavs is "horribly" out of form, with the Cats needing to settle on a position for the tall utility.
Blicavs was one of many Cats to struggle in Saturday night's shock 17-point loss to Essendon, claiming just 11 possessions and not laying a single tackle.
The former steeplechaser's elite running ability is his greatest strength.
The 198cm Blicavs has been used in a variety of positions by coach Chris Scott, but Bartel believes it is time to settle him down in a key defensive post.
"Blicavs is horrible, horribly out of form," the 2007 Brownlow medallist told RSN927 Radio on Monday.
"He's a best and fairest winner (in 2015) and I'm not targeting him, but when you win a best and fairest you're held to a higher standard."
Playing his first game for his new club on Saturday night, former Greater Western Sydney forward James Stewart played an important role in Essendon's win with three goals.
"Everyone knew that third man up in the ruck rule was coming and they need to find a position (for Blicavs) for his own football," said Bartel.
"He might need to go back as a key defender.
"Just give him a job.
"Stewart was the match-up for him, just play him on Stewart and don't let him kick a goal.
"Then you're doing something, because at the moment he's an unbelievable runner but he's just running up and down the ground."
The Cats have dropped their past three matches after starting the season with five straight wins.
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