1. Brownlow chances in serious Danger
Patrick Dangerfield's bid for successive Brownlow Medals are in doubt, with the superstar Cat set to be scrutinised by the Match Review Panel for a tackle on Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer. Dangerfield pinned Kreuzer's arms in the third quarter and drove him into the ground after the big Blue had disposed of the ball, with Kreuzer playing no further part in the game due to concussion. Those two factors will be considered heavily by the MRP. If Dangerfield is suspended it would leave Tigers superstar Dustin Martin an overwhelming favourite to win the Brownlow Medal. More worryingly for the Cats would be the impact of losing Dangerfield, with a huge match against Sydney coming up next Friday night at Simonds Stadium. The Cats have a bit of breathing room when it comes to a top-four spot but as has been shown numerous times this season, anything can happen.
2. Bolton's Blues falling away, again
For the second straight year, Carlton has faltered in the second half of the season after inspiring starts. In 2016, the Blues were 6-5 but won just one more match from their final 11. They look like following a similar trend this year after being 5-7. Now in the midst of a six-game losing streak, there are some excuses. Patrick Cripps (leg) and Ed Curnow (larynx) are a couple of contested ball specialists in a midfield doesn't have a lot of options but fans would nevertheless be disappointed to see the lack of fight from their side. There were stages when Geelong moved the ball way too easily on Saturday night, and Cats players often found themselves without an opponent in the forward line. Brendon Bolton has largely done a terrific job with a list that still has plenty of development left, but the fadeouts will be something to rectify for the future.
3. Hawkins hits form
It's been a lean run from the imposing forward, with just 11 goals from his eight games prior to the clash with the Blues. Against the side that was 16th going into the round, he was largely being manned by in-form defender Liam Jones. The big Cat kicked the first goal of the game after his sometimes partner-in-crime Harry Taylor honoured his lead. That was the first of six majors Hawkins would slot. It wasn't just the goals though, setting up chances for Jordan Murdoch and Jake Kolodjashnij later in the opening term. Hawkins finished with five score assists among his career-high 27 disposals, a very handy night's work. The Cats need him firing if they want to do damage in September, and Saturday night's performance was a positive showing, albeit against a stuttering opposition.
4. Gibbs stopped again
The Carlton star has largely been terrific this season but his last couple of games have been sub-par by his own high standards. Last week he was restricted to eight disposals by Brisbane Lions vice-captain Tom Rockliff while a more traditional stopper had the job this week, with Scott Selwood taking the role. Gibbs finished with 24 disposals but lacked his usual impact. Not being able to deal with the attention is a problem the Blues can't afford, considering how depleted their midfield is with Patrick Cripps and Ed Curnow sidelined by injuries.
5. Ablett homecoming 'unlikely' but Cats need him
Coach Chris Scott declared on Friday night the odds were against Suns superstar Gary Ablett making a romantic return to his former club. However, there's a fair argument to suggest the Cats need to find a way to bring Ablett home. Their forward line would not strike fear into opposition coaches. Patrick Dangerfield and Cameron Guthrie have been used in long stints up forward, while Harry Taylor is often used as a swingman, even though he is better in the backline. Ablett has all the skills to be stationed in attack, allowing other players to spend time where they play their best footy. There are concerns about whether his body can hold up, with shoulder, knee, hamstring and calf injuries limiting him to 33 games in the past three years, but if the gun Sun wants to come home, surely those in charge at the Cattery need to find a way to do the deal.
