1. Rhys Stanley
AFL games: 12
VFL games: 0
Stanley has alternated between the forward line and the ruck but has had an inconsistent season to date. He is averaging 10.8 disposals and 3.2 marks per game and has kicked eight goals.
2. Billie Smedts
AFL games: 1
VFL games: 6
Injuries continue to plague the dashing utility. His pre-season was interrupted by a shoulder injury, then he fought back strongly and regained his place in the AFL team. Collected 16 disposals in an encouraging display against Carlton in round 10, only to suffer yet another setback when he broke his leg after being sent back to the VFL.
3. Jimmy Bartel
AFL games: 14
VFL games: 0
Bartel has enjoyed a standout season, playing every game, averaging 22 disposals and kicking six goals. He will soon achieve a major milestone when he becomes just the fourth Geelong player to reach 300 games.
4. Andrew Mackie
AFL games: 13
VFL games: 0
Mackie has spent the season in his usual role across half-back. His form has been a bit hot and hold, but he remains a vital cog in the Cats’ backline.
5. Nakia Cockatoo
AFL games: 5
VFL games: 1
After a massive summer on the track and in the gym, Cockatoo looked in great touch during the NAB Challenge but missed the first two home and away games after being suspended following the Cats’ final pre-season game. He was brought straight back into the AFL side and played five games before suffering a knee injury against West Coast in round seven. He recently returned to action via the VFL and is expected to be a key player for the Cats in the AFL in the run towards the finals.
6. Lincoln McCarthy
AFL games: 10
VFL games: 0
The little dynamo’s form has been a bit up and down, but the coaches have been very happy with his pressure in the forward line. His three goals in the third quarter in the narrow loss to St Kilda gave a glimpse of what he is capable of during the rest of the season. He has averaged 11 disposals across his 10 games and has kicked 11 goals.
7. Harry Taylor
AFL games: 14
VFL games: 0
The veteran defender has enjoyed a very consistent campaign so far, playing every game and averaging 14.5 disposals and 6.3 marks per game. He has shut down some of the game’s most damaging forwards, including Greater Western Sydney star Jeremy Cameron.
8. Jake Kolodjashnij
AFL games: 11
VFL games: 0
One of the youngest members of the backline, Kolodjashnij is on a course of steady improvement. He has played 11 AFL games this season and is averaging 11.4 disposals.
9. Zac Smith
AFL games: 14
VFL games: 0
The athletic ruckman has been a revelation in his first season with the Cats. He has played every game and is averaging 12.6 disposals and 17.3 hit-outs. He has also slotted eight goals.
10. Daniel Menzel
AFL games: 11
VFL games: 0
After starting the season running around in the VFL practice matches, Menzel has emerged as one of the Cats’ most important forwards. He had a bout of the goalkicking yips early in the season but has rebounded to have 20 goals on the board in 11 games.
11. Darcy Lang
AFL games: 11
VFL games: 2
Lang spent the first 11 rounds in the AFL and showed some great signs, averaging 14.4 disposals per game and kicking 10 goals. But after his form tailed off a bit, he has spent the past two weeks in the VFL.
12. Wylie Buzza
AFL games: 0
VFL games: 5
Very much a project player at this stage, the young key forward has played five games in the VFL but has been sidelined by a leg injury in recent times.
13. Tom Lonergan
AFL games: 12
VFL games: 0
The grand old man of the backline continues to terrorise the best key forwards in the game. His only drama so far was the concussion he suffered against Adelaide back in round eight.
