11. Darcy Lang
AFL games: 10
AFL goals: 6
A standout through the pre-season, Lang was outstanding in the round five win over St Kilda, tallying 25 disposals and kicking two goals. He was in and out of the team after that, although he won back his spot for the semi-final win over the Swans and was very impressive, finishing 24 disposals, 10 marks and six tackles. Recently departed the club for Carlton where he hopes to get more midfield time.
12. Wylie Buzza
AFL games: 6
AFL goals: 5
The key position prospect improved rapidly during the first half of the season while playing in the ruck and up forward in the VFL. Made his AFL debut against Greater Western Sydney in round 15 and brought the house down with an early goal from 55m. Played five more AFL games during the remainder of the season and looks to have a very bright future.
13. Tom Lonergan
AFL games: 23
AFL goals: 0
The man known as ‘Doms’ went out on a high, playing 23 games and tallying a career-high 323 disposals (his previous best was 295 in 2010). Announced his intention to retire prior to the finals, then missed the semi-final win over the Swans due to gastro. Bowed out with a typically gutsy performance against Adelaide in the preliminary final.
14. Joel Selwood
AFL games: 21
AFL goals: 7
The skipper was in blistering form early in the season, and ended up getting the three Brownlow Medal votes in three of the Cats’ first five games. An ankle injury curtailed his influence in the second half of the season, but he still managed to finish fourth in the best and fairest and was selected on the bench in the All Australian team.
15. Matthew Hayball
AFL games: 0
AFL goals: 0
Spent the season developing his game in the VFL where he played 17 games and kicked seven goals.
16. Scott Selwood
AFL games: 14
AFL goals: 3
Had his share of injury concerns, but still managed to make a big impact in his second season at the Cattery. One of his standout performances came against Adelaide in round 11 when he finished with 25 disposals, seven marks and 10 tackles while blanketing Adelaide’s Rory Sloane.
17. Esava Ratagolea
AFL games: 0
AFL goals: 0
Worked hard on his game in the VFL, playing 10 games and kicking 10 goals. Is looking to have a pre-season and then raise his game to a new level in 2018.
18. Josh Cowan
AFL games: 2
AFL goals: 0
Played in the AFL team in rounds one and two, then battled a chronic achilles problem during the remainder of the season and was subsequently delisted. Only played 16 AFL games in his career but was among the most respected players at the club.
19. Quinton Narkle
AFL games: 0
AFL goals: 0
Battled leg injuries early in the season, then suffered a serious knee injury in his second VFL game and was sidelined for the rest of the year. Has recovered well from his surgery and the club remains buoyant about his prospects in 2018.
20. Ryan Gardner
AFL games: 0
AFL goals: 0
The developing key position prospect played 17 games in the VFL, mostly in the backline, although he did sneak forward and boot three goals. The retirement of Tom Lonergan has opened the door for him to push his case for an AFL debut in 2018.
