Cats Media identified four points of interest to follow through the Cats’ round nine clash with the Western Bulldogs. Here’s how they played out.
Back to the future, Charlie
In the words of Frankie Valli, “oh what a night”.
It had been some two and a half years in the making, but the new $91 million Charles Brownlow Stand was opened in the most fitting fashion as 30,275 people watched the Cats christen their new facility with a memorable, 23-point win over reigning premier the Western Bulldogs.
The lights shine down on the new Charles Brownlow Stand on opening night. (Photo: AFL Photos)
And now the football
The Cats snapped their three-game losing streak with the much-needed victory, largely thanks to a new club record tackling effort of 134 in total.
Mitch Duncan fell one short of the individual tackling record with 18, while Scott Selwood tallied 17, Patrick Dangerfield 12 and Zac Smith 10.
Dangerfield also booted four goals, including a miracle from the boundary on his non-preferred, while Scott Selwood and Zac Smith both played their best games since joining the Cats in late 2015.
Scott Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood were three of the Cat's best in round nine. (Photo: AFL Photos)
Time to Scoot
Scott Selwood made a difference.
In his first AFL game for 2016, the 27-year-old threw himself at the contest with little concern for his own welfare to register 17 tackles and 17 disposals.
His last quarter smother was crucial in preventing a certain Dogs’ goal and his own major in the third quarter showed the in-and-under midfielder has both poise and class.
Keep him healthy and the Cats will be rewarded.
Scott Selwood laid 17 tackles in his return to AFL football. (Photos: AFL Photos)
Kickin’ for Chickin
Unfortunately Cats fans will have to wait until Thursday night for their next chance at free Zinger burgers, but there’s no doubt Kickin’ For Chicken added some extra spice to the game.
With the Dogs kicking to the city end, the Gary Ablett Terrace was in full voice for every shot on goal in the final quarter and sooner or later it’s going to pay off.
Unfortunately Travis Cloke and the Western Bulldogs couldn't deliver free Zingers for the fans. (Photo: AFL Photos)
