MIDFIELDER Mitch Duncan has called on the Cats’ senior players to stand up and get Geelong back on the winner’s list.

Duncan told the Geelong Advertiser that it was up to the team’s seasoned veterans to step up and match the efforts of Geelong’s young brigade.

“It will be a work in progress, but looking forward to trying to get that right this week.”

 “I think there’s about eight to 10 that are probably in the best 22 that are injured at the moment, but we’re exposing great young kids and they’re actually playing really well,” he said.

“It’s probably more the senior core that are letting them down, so there’s a lot of proud players at this footy club and I’d be looking for a response from them.”

Duncan says the midfield core is still gelling as a unit ahead of a crucial clash with GWS on Friday night.

“We’ve been trying to focus on it for the last few weeks and we’ve just got to keep getting our balance right in there,” he said.

“We’re still learning how to play together with ‘Gaz’ (Gary Ablett) and Tim Kelly and Brandan Parfitt.”

“They’re games that you really want to win; you never want to lose two in-a-row. We’ll do our best to rectify that and get a W.”

Duncan says the key to stopping the orange tsunami will be focusing on their unique style of play.

“They’re a kick-mark side, obviously a great run-and-carry side as well and have got A-graders all over the field.

“We’ll have to bring a really good defence against them and a contested-style game which hopefully can keep the ball off them as much as possible.