EXCITING Geelong midfielder Steven Motlop believes he is building towards his best form and expects to get better as he gets fitter. 

He says a troublesome knee is feeling the best it has ever felt and the Cats are a definite contender.

The 25-year-old who finished second in the club best and fairest in 2015 was among the Cats' best in last Saturday's win over Essendon.

He had 24 disposals, kicked two goals and used the ball well on the outside of congestion with his skills standing out in an otherwise lacklustre contest.

"I think I'm building now. I'm a lot fitter than what I was," Motlop said.

Motlop acknowledged he was off the pace at the start of the pre-season but he expects his strengths will come to the fore as the season progresses.

"My running power is the main element in my game and (I'm) just trying to get better at that," Motlop said.

"I tend to get fitter as the year goes (on)."

Despite his quiet start to the season, coach Chris Scott expressed confidence in Motlop when quizzed about him after round two.

Motlop, who was on hand to coach the Steven Motlop Squad, a program aimed at boys and girls aged 13-18 within the region who are indigenous or from a multicultural background, said he appreciated such support.

"Scotty (Chris Scott) is really good. He is always positive with me and I'm really close to him and he always encourages me to take the game on," Motlop said.

"He is someone I like playing under as well and he's always there for me."

After four matches the Cats have won the contested possession differential twice and lost it twice, with Essendon defeating them in that area 132-123.

Motlop said it was an area of the game they were continually working on. 

"We were a bit iffy on it in the first couple of weeks and we're definitely getting better," he said.

Motlop said he had high hopes for the Cats and a top-four spot remained firmly on the radar.

"We can definitely be a top-four side," Motlop said.

"We can beat anyone on the day."