Senior coach Chris Scott says Daniel Menzel has put together a strong case to be included in the Cats’ final 22 to face the Giants in Canberrra.

In this week’s episode of #TweetTheCoach, Scott was asked why Menzel was left out of the side which defeated reigning premier Hawthorn by 30 points on Easter Monday, and was forthright with his answer.

“The reason he wasn’t selected round one was just a lack of preparation,” Scott said.

“He played the NAB1 game and then wasn’t really able to train for three weeks, and then played obviously with limited preparation in a practice game before round one.”

Menzel battled a minor calf injury following the first pre-season fixture after a pre-season of continuity.

He missed games against Essendon and Fremantle but returned in the VFL against Richmond alongside Joel Selwood prior to round one, and played again last week against North Ballarat.

Scott says the extra game at VFL level was a deliberate measure by the club.

“Given his last three or four years, we thought that it would be more prudent for him to get another game in the VFL,” Scott admitted.

“He’s very much in line for selection this week. He played really well in the VFL, was very good defensively and kicked four goals the other way.”

“His performance was certainly good enough to warrant selection in our 22 this week … hopefully it goes his way at selection.”