Speaking to Cats TV after the win, captain Joel Selwood said the team’s initial goal was a strong start.
“The Eagles have been playing some really good footy and we respected that.
“The way that we started was something we talked about all week.
“We’ve come over together and we’ve left together and we really wanted to play that way.”
A strong defensive focus was also on the top of the Cats’ list, and they executed their plan when it counted.
“I think it started too from a lot of the older guys like Kel, Joel Corey and Stevie just really diving in and driving their bodies in.
“It really set the tone for us for the night and then the backs were right on top of their forwards and it made it an easier night anyway.”
The Cats’ ruck stocks have been a talking point this season but the skipper believes Mark Blicavs, Nathan Vardy and Josh Walker all stood up when it counted against Dean Cox, one of the best ruckman in the game.
“Walks, Blitz and Vards have copped a pretty hard time the last couple of weeks but we had faith in them and we keep telling them that and we just want them to show up and give their best efforts.
“Tonight they did that, it was good enough and then we will challenge them again next week to do it again.”
On a personal note, Selwood starred with 29 disposals, five tackles and four goals, taking his season tally to a career-best 25 goals.
“You see the midfielders in the comp that can go forward; I’ve been spending a little bit more time forward of late with Allen Christensen working more in the midfield and Josh Caddy.
“We need these guys to develop not only for this year but for the coming years too so that means I’ll spend a little bit more time forward.”
A bit of brother rivalry also kept Selwood on his toes when he matched up against his younger brother Scott during the game.
“I thought he would come to me, he didn’t give away much yesterday when I caught up with him.
“He’s playing some good footy this year and I just had to make sure that he didn’t kick a goal on me, he snuck one in but I got four,” Selwood laughed.
With the Sydney Swans at Simonds Stadium this week, the Cats will have to bring their absolute best in what will be one of their toughest challenges yet.
“We want to play our way and we will get Hawk back, a target down forward, but it’s going to be hard to move one of these guys out of the side tonight.”
