Can the team jell?
It will take time because high quality additions playing important roles have replaced equally high quality departures. There is little doubt the Cats will be better in the latter half of the season and in 2017 but if they rack up some early wins, then look out.

Who will replace Jackson Thurlow in defence?
The season-ending knee injury to Thurlow might see Cam Guthrie play in defence more regularly although it also provides opportunities for Tom Ruggles, Josh Cowan or Jed Bews to stake a claim for the vacant spot. Jimmy Bartel remains the press-in-an-emergency option.

Will the Cats' game stand up in finals?
It feels sacrilegious to write this about such a great team but the fact is the Cats have won one final since 2011 and were in the bottom four for contested ball average last season. They also conceded 100 points or more eight times in 2015, the most in 22 home and away rounds since 2006. Their midfield strength must translate into defensive power.