Our VFL Cats claimed their sixth consecutive win on Sunday with scrappy yet dominant 70-point win over Frankston.
It’s the first time the Cats have won six on the trot since 2013, as some returning Cats stars have significantly strengthened an already formidable outfit.
With a short turnaround looming on the AFL fixture and Adelaide on the horizon for a Thursday night matchup – here are the Cats in the selection mix.
George Horlin-Smith (42 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 14 clearances, two goals)
The hyphen produced a classic Horlin-Smith performance despite having to prove his fitness after a calf complaint during the week.
Lachie Henderson (28 disposals, 16 kicks, eight loose-ball gets)
Henderson is beginning to play himself into some real form at the lower level after clunking nine marks and launching 12 rebound 50s last week. Getting his hands on the footy and finding touch after a long injury layoff will be the priority for the experienced Cat as he tries to work his way back into a well-performing defence.
Charlie Constable (33 disposals, 11 inside 50s)
Constable is back to his early-season form after some injury issues put him on the back foot. Constable is a ball magnet who finds the pill in large quantities, but will find it difficult to break into the side as a dedicated midfielder given the Cats’ strength in the area. The performance is a positive sign for the Cats’ future.
Daniel Menzel (Four disposals, two behinds)
Menzel got through Sunday unscathed which is likely all he needs to break into the side for Thursday night. The mercurial Cat didn’t take the field in the second half, as he was rested to ensure he will be ready to go come our clash with the Crows.
Stewart Crameri (Five Goals, 13 disposals, seven marks)
Fresh off a comeback from multiple bouts of laser eye surgery, Crameri ensured he hit the ground running. Five big majors will mean he is hard to turn down for a senior recall, although it may be difficult to fit him into the side given the imminent return of Daniel Menzel.
Zac Smith (23 disposals, 40 hit-outs, five marks)
The experienced ruck continues to perform strongly at the lower level, meaning he will never be far away from a senior recall should the Cats decide to move in another direction from Rhys Stanley.
Sam Simpson (11 disposals, seven kicks, one goal)
Another Cat to be rested in the second half against the Dolphins, which could suggest he is in the frame to return against the Crows after some strong VFL performances in recent weeks.