With ball movement at a premium on Saturday night, the Cats turned to the ever reliable Mitch Duncan off half back to drive the team forward.  

Duncan collected 25 disposals at 76% efficiency against the Hawks, taking 10 marks in an important performance that helped steer Geelong to victory.  
 
Equally as important was Duncan’s eight intercept possessions, helping contribute to a strong defensive display that restricted Hawthorn to just 14 scoring shots.  
 
Duncan spoke with 3AW following the game, noting that the midfield in particular played a crucial role in helping the Cats refine their ball movement.  

 
“I thought we played a really solid four quarters,” Duncan told 3AW.   
 
“Each line had their moments and as a collective I thought we played really well.  
 
“The boys around the footy, their contest work was pretty ferocious.  
 
“The midfield was really impressive on the night, all the guys who rotated through there were really powerful and physical, which set the tone for us.”  
 
The ultra consistent Duncan is currently in his 15th AFL season and has collected 20 or more disposals in eight of his last ten games, while averaging 22 possessions per game across the season.  
 
The 33-year-old also had a season high eight contested possessions against Hawthorn along with four score involvements.  
 
Another important factor in the Cats win was the performance of some younger players, most notably Sam De Koning who continues to grow in the ruck.  
 
“He is doing great in the ruck,” Duncan said.  
 
“He is playing to his strengths, got forward and kicked a couple of goals which is awesome, and he is adding more strings to his bow. 
 
“If you can pinch hit in the ruck, especially when things aren't going your way down back, to be able to go in there and help out is pretty special.”  
 
Duncan also paid tribute to Gary Rohan who played his 200th AFL game on Saturday night.  

 
“It is a great story,” Duncan said. 
 
“We heard earlier in the week about his broken leg when he was a youngster, he was actually in my draft class as well, so I have known Gary for a long time. 
 
“His explosive speed is probably the best there is.  
 
“I still remember the game against Collingwood where he took a massive mark, kicked a goal and pretty much got us into a Preliminary Final and then the rest is history.”  
 
The attention now shifts to Friday night when the Cats take on Collingwood at the MCG. Cats fans can still become a member today at membership.geelongcats.com.au