GEELONG defender Jared Rivers is not contemplating his future beyond this season even though he has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks.
Out of contract at the end of the season, Rivers defeated North Melbourne's Drew Petrie in round four before being a significant contributor in the Cats' wins against Richmond and Collingwood.
The 30-year-old had a slow start to the pre-season because of a knee problem.
He then missed round two due to his knee before resuming through the VFL.
But experience tells him that regardless of his purple patch, it's too early to be making any calls on next year.
"It's only round six. I know where I'm at physically [and] mentally I am fine, it's just more physically for me," Rivers told AFL.com.au.
"It's just getting through the next few weeks. I look forward to the split round and then continue my season on from there."
In the past two games Rivers has taken seven intercept marks (only the Western Bulldogs' Easton Wood with nine has taken more), his average of 3.5 per game is way above his career average of 1.9 intercept marks per game.
Marking has always been a feature of Rivers' game but he agreed the ball has stuck even more in the past two weeks.
"[I'm] just trying to read the ball early and get into position early to give myself every chance to win or halve the contest," Rivers said.
Rivers said the senior players in the group had recognised the need to lift their game after the team's ordinary start to the season, when the Cats won just one of their first four games.
"As a senior playing group we realised that we need to lift in a few areas. No doubt we have done that over the past few weeks, which has been good," Rivers said.
"[The] young blokes coming into the side have been fantastic for us as older guys and they're playing their role. When we're all playing our role we can be a hard team to beat."
Rivers' fellow defenders Corey Enright, Tom Lonergan and Harry Taylor were among the Cats' best against Collingwood as they restricted the Magpies to 59 points.
This week, the Cats face the Sydney Swans who have a forwardline containing imposing forwards, Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett.
Asked how they were hoping to contain the duo, Rivers grinned.
"That is the million-dollar question, isn't it?"
And he knows Buddy might be even more dangerous than usual after being held goalless against Melbourne in round six.
"He's just such a good player," Rivers said. "You just don't know what he is going to do."
The same can be said for Rivers when it comes to next season.
But for now, while his form is hot, he is enjoying every minute.
"I'm really keen to keep playing my role in the team and trying to play some good footy," Rivers said.
Veteran Jared Rivers uncertain on retirement plans
Veteran Jared Rivers says he has not begun to contemplate retirement