WHO… thinks there is some similarities to a great backline of the past

Matthew Scarlett’s paws are clearly evident all over the Cats backline but is he actually working off one of the greatest defensive line-ups of all time from the Cats 2007-2011 era? Luckily for Scarlett he has a Harry Taylor who is every bit as reliable in 2019 as he was back then, but the moulding of the rest of the group is uncanny. Scarlett didn't need to look far to replace his great mate Corey Enright, with the new number 44, Tom Stewart, providing all the nous and skill of his predecessor. Jake Kolodjashnij’s ever-presence on an opponent’s shoulder and penchant for taking the right option mirrors Tom Harley’s play from the past. Zach Tuohy brings the toughness, long kicking and tattoos of Josh Hunt’s body of play. Darren Milburn has been reincarnated in the athletic, no-nonsense approach of Jack Henry, Mark O’Connor brings the defensive efforts and explosive run of David Wojcinski but perhaps the most obvious is the new Matthew Scarlett he’s introduced. Mark Blicavs carries Scarlett’s confidence, spoiling ability and classy poise for the Cats backline whilst also bringing the best and fairest awards, unique hairstyle and leadership qualities. With still a long way to climb to reach the group of the premiership era’s standing, they’re well equipped to get there.

WHAT… distance is too far for Jordan Clark

Many were surprised when Jordan Clark coolly slotted a 52m set-shot goal against the Crows in round three, but it was two efforts on Sunday that show this may become common place. Clark’s first goal went all of 90m with the bounce as his snap out of the centre square made it through the goals at the western end. Then presented with another opportunity on the run towards the city end, Clark went bang with a beautiful drop punt from inside the centre square again. 

WHERE… you go Mitch Duncan will kick it

Mitch Duncan has long been referred to as underrated, but his kicking is something that many recognise as one of the Cats most powerful weapons. After 22 disposals at 96% efficiency against the Bombers in the Powercor Country Festival clash last week, Duncan followed up with another 29 at 79% efficiency. With both teams’ toughness matching up under the roof at Marvel, it was the Cats efficiency by hand and foot that set them apart, something largely led by Duncan.

WHY… do the Cats keep performing at Marvel Stadium

The Cats have found Marvel Stadium a happy hunting ground recording an incredible winning record under the roof. It wasn’t initially a happy place at all for the Cats, with the club winning one of their first seven matches at the ground. Since then however, the Cats have won an incredible 64 games whilst only dropping 25 with a drawn also thrown in. From 97 games the Cats have won 67% of the matches under the roof, the best record at the venue in the competition.

HOW… lucky are we to watch Gaz again

Just stop for a second and be thankful we are all lucky enough to be there to witness Gary Ablett Jnr. Those who also watched his dad are doubly lucky, but it is the current Ablett that continues to put his hand up for the greatest of all-time title. Due to turn 35 on Tuesday, Ablett’s legs have barely slowed down since his first time in the hoops. His powerful right leg was in full show with two massive snaps in in the second quarter and he followed it up with a delicate dribbler and a beautiful mark and goal in the last. It had all the hallmarks of his dad’s work up forward and brought smiles to many a Cats fan’s face. 

WHEN… you think Tom Atkins is beaten he rises again

His stats line might not have been spectacular, but Tom Atkins selflessness was on show at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. After injuring his right leg in the second quarter, Atkins spent some time on the bench in the hands of Cats medical staff. But with the need to maintain rotations and a temporary absence from Tom Stewart followed by a permanent loss of Gary Rohan, Atkins kept battling on out on the field clearly hampered. The man they call “The Bull” showed that even when wounded he can’t be stopped.