1. JACKSON THURLOW GET A RISING STAR NOMINATION
The 21-year-old Tasmanian has been a very solid contributor since returning to the AFL team for the round three game against Gold Coast at Simonds Stadium. He is averaging 19 disposals per game, and notched a career-high of 30 touches against Collingwood in round six. We hope the gurus who look after the NAB Rising Star nominations are watching his progress because he is first among rising star eligible players for total kicks, first for total uncontested possessions and first for rebound 50s. Surely he'll get the nod at some stage in the next 10 games.
2. BETTER LAST QUARTERS
Fade-outs continue to trouble the Cats, who have won just four last quarters this season. In fact, they have been outscored in final terms 29.34 (208) to 43.33 (291). Compare that to West Coast, which has scored 51.34 (340) in last quarters so far this season, while its opponents have scored only 24.27 (171).
3. TOM HAWKINS REDISCOVER HIS BEST FORM
It has been a tough year for 'Tomahawk', both on and off the field. When it comes to on-field matters, Hawkins has produced some very solid performances, but he has kicked just 21 goals. This time last year he had 32 on the board, and he finished the year with 68. The big fella has found the going tough in his past two matches. He struggled to break clear of Port Adelaide's Alipate Carlile in round 11 and also found himself getting involved in too many wrestles when picked up by Melbourne's Lynden Dunn in round 12. As a result, he kicked only two goals in each of those games. If the Cats are to finish the home and away season in the top eight, Hawkins needs to get back to taking some strong marks on the lead (of course, some better delivery from up the field would make life easier for him).
4. JIMMY BARTEL, MITCH DUNCAN AND MITCH CLARK BACK ON THE PARK
Bartel was among Geelong's outstanding performers during the pre-season, but he was never really able to get going when the home and away games started. He was concussed against Hawthorn in round one, then missed round two, before suffering a serious knee injury in the opening minutes of round three. But he is moving closer to a return, as is Duncan, who was in career-best form before breaking his foot against the Swans at ANZ Stadium. Clark, meanwhile, has enjoyed an up and down first season at the Cattery. His calf strain is on the mend and he could be back as soon as the Adelaide game in round 13.
5. STEVEN MOTLOP CONTINUE HIS RESURGENCE
'Mots' has had a roller-coaster season. His best performances, like his three goals and 26 disposals against Collingwood in round six, have been truly eye-catching. But his more pedestrian efforts, like his seemingly disinterested outing against West Coast in round nine, have had his critics out in form. The good news is that Motlop has been very impressive in his past three matches. He kicked four goals against Essendon in round 10, then was among Geelong's best players in the win over Port Adelaide and the loss to Melbourne. The Cats now need him to bring his A-game every week in the second half of the season.
