Geelong will look to return to the winner’s list when they travel to Sydney in round 19 to play the Swans at the SCG on Sunday at 3.20pm.
Despite the loss to the Hawks, the Cats are in a strong position heading into the final five rounds of the home and away season on top of the AFL ladder.
Geelong’s VFL team continued their excellent recent form with a nine-point win against fellow finals aspirant Casey on Saturday.
Geelong had many star performers on the day who pushed their case for an AFL recall.
Sam Menegola (26 disposals, 11 tackles, five score involvements)
Made a successful return from a knee injury gathering 26 disposals and 11 tackles in a standout performance. Could be given another week to build up his match fitness, but will in the mix this week.
READ - MENEGOLA MAKES A SUCCESSFUL RETURN
Quinton Narkle (Two goals, 30 disposals, six clearances)
Named best-on-ground with 30 disposals and two-goals for the Bendigo Bank Cats. He offers the team something different with his explosive clearance work and eye for goal.
“He is starting to really impact on games as he is feeling fit and strong,” coach Shane O’Bree said.
Charlie Constable (29 disposals, eight clearances)
Produced another prolific performance in the guts. Provided his outside midfielders with first use and was efficient (72%) with the football in tough conditions.
Lachie Henderson (20 disposals, seven rebound 50s)
Has been one of the Cats' most consistent performers during the past month. Won plenty of the football and provided excellent run off half back.
Jamaine Jones (18 disposals, six score involvements, five inside 50s)
Played arguably his best game for the season with 18 touches and six score involvements. Missed a couple of opportunities on goal but is building some nice form at the right time of the year.
Jamaine Jones drives the ball inside 50.
Scott Selwood (Two goals, 15 disposals)
Stood up when the match was on the line with two crucial goals. Only found the football 15 times but made every possession count.
Ryan Abbott (21 disposals, 13 clearances, 50 hit-outs)
Was outstanding in the ruck with 50 hit-outs and backed that up on the ground with 13 clearances. Competing with Zac Smith and Rhys Stanley to line up in the ruck against the Swans.
Sam Simpson (16 disposals, five clearances, five score involvements)
A solid contributor for the Cats with 16 touches and five score involvements. Was named an emergency against the Hawks and will be in the selection discussion again this week.
Lachie Fogarty (13 disposals, three clearances)
Responded to his AFL omission with a solid performance in tough conditions.
Lachie Fogarty attacks the football.
Wylie Buzza (12 disposals, four tackles)
Named in Geelong’s best and could be given a chance in the coming weeks to provide an additional option beside Hawkins in attack.
Zac Smith
Likely to get another opportunity in the AFL side prior to finals and this could be his week. His tap work is first class.
"I’d suspect he’d (Smith) play between now and the end of the season," coach Chris Scott said at last week's press conference.
Brandan Parfitt
Missed Geelong’s loss to the Hawks with a back injury. His forward pressure acts and work in congestion was missed on the weekend.
Jack Henry
Was managed against the Hawks and didn’t feature for the Cats in either the AFL or VFL. Could return immediately to bolster the Cats back six.
