Who… could have predicted a better debut for Darcy Fort

It took until late in the first term, but Darcy Fort’s juggled mark and goal brought the crowd to their feet. The South Barwon product looked at home on an AFL field and provided a great target up forward. Fort finished with three goals and 17 hitouts in what turned out to be a dream debut.


What… ever the conditions, Tom Hawkins doesn’t miss

Consecutive weeks of four goal hauls without a behind, Tom Hawkins has been a deadeye in front of goal this year. Last week, Hawkins was able to show off his accuracy inside Marvel Stadium, a goalkickers paradise. But it was his set shot kicking against the Bulldogs that showed he is on another level this year. Hawkins kicked goals from long range, short range and from the boundary, taking his season tally to 23.9, to sit second in the Coleman medal race.


Where… have all these fans been hiding

The GMHBA Stadium crowd on Saturday evening was at their loudest and proudest. The timeslot, combined with great weather, a Melbourne opponent and the fact the Cats are playing unmissable football were all factors in the huge crowd of 31,373, the third highest ever at the stadium. The Cats return home in round 11 with another Saturday twilight timeslot.


Why… you can never keep a good player down

Tim Kelly has been brilliant in almost every game this season but up until the final term on Saturday evening, Kelly was well held by his Bulldogs opponent. The second year Cat spent time up forward and through the midfield trying to shake the tag before an explosive final term. Kelly had a large percentage of his disposals in the decisive quarter, reminding everyone why he is one of the top players in the competition.


How… difficult will selection be this week

The Geelong coaches will have a tough time picking the side to take on the Suns this week. With Tom Atkins, Rhys Stanley and Esava Ratugolea all a chance to return, some quality players may have to miss out from the side that took down the Bulldogs on Saturday. Combine that with the promising VFL performances of Zac Smith, Scott Selwood and Wylie Buzza, the Cats depth is keeping everyone at a consistently high level.


When… will Tom Stewart stop smiling

It was a mark that capped off a dominant last quarter, provided the home fans with a lasting moment, almost made Mark O’Connor fall over with excitement and gave Tom Stewart a smile that lasted long after the final siren. Stewart couldn’t hide his emotion after the big grab and the joy flowed through the stadium and even into the coaches box.