Going by Shane Kersten’s debut performance last Saturday, it’s fair to say that Tom Hawkins has found his new partner in crime at the top of the goal square.

Herald Sun Journalist Scott Gullan says size wise he might not look completely perfect for the job, however, his skills in front of goal suggest otherwise.

“He leads up well, has a great kick for goal and he’s very smart,” Gullan told Cats TV.

“The size is interesting because he’s not super big, he’ll be a lead-up man and Hawkins can play more back.

"I think it’ll work, I mean he’s going to have his ups and downs but the kid came in and kicked three, not many do that - he kicked his first goal with his first kick.

“I think he’ll play the next six to eight weeks and when it comes to the business end he’ll be comfortable.”  


Scott Gullan also speaks about the Cats first meeting with Chappy in the red and black.


This week Paul Chapman will find it difficult not to fire up against the Cats when they clash for the first time since his departure last year

Knowing what a fierce competitor Chappy is, Scott Gullan expects nothing less than an electric show from the former Cat.  

“I think he’ll be determined to do something very early,” Gullan told Cats TV.

Another compelling element of Friday night’s game will be seeing which Cat will be given the honours of shutting the talented veteran down.

“The interesting thing will be the match up, do you put Smedts on him and not one of the guns like Mackie or Enright who are his old premier teammates because he will want to niggle someone he won’t be able to control himself,” Gullan said.

Hear more from Scott Gullan and Chris Appleby on Cats TV.