1. Rhys Stanley
AFL games in 2017: 13
AFL goals in 2017: 8
Was in and out of the AFL team during the season, but fought hard to regain his spot in the side for the semi-final win over Sydney and the preliminary final loss to Adelaide. Ended up playing 13 AFL games in all and averaged 12 disposals while being used in the ruck and in attack.
2. Zach Tuohy
AFL games: 25
AFL goals: 6
Was a revelation across half-back in his first season with the Cats. Provided great attacking flair and accurate ball-use but was also able to quell the influence of star players like Eddie Betts when required. Finished third in the best and fairest and was undoubtedly one of the recruits of the season across the entire AFL.
3. Brandan Parfitt
AFL games: 15
AFL goals: 6
Debuted in round one and won himself a Rising Star nomination just two games later for his 23-disposal, five-tackle effort against Melbourne. Suffered a significant hamstring injury, which required surgery, against Collingwood in round six and didn’t return to the AFL side until round 16. Played in each of the Cats’ finals and looks to be a star of the future.
4. Andrew Mackie
AFL games: 23
AFL goals: 3
Rounded out a great career with an impressive season across half-back, finishing 11th in the best and fairest. Averaged 21 disposals and even snuck forward to kick three goals. Is set to stay with the club in an off-field role.
5. Nakia Cockatoo
AFL games: 11
AFL goals: 11
Started the year with an exhilarating Goal of the Year nomination in round one against Fremantle, but injury problems limited his output from there. Was called back into the side for the preliminary final against Adelaide and kicked a goal but finished with only nine disposals. With another pre-season under his belt, watch for Cocky to step up in 2018.
6. Lincoln McCarthy
AFL games: 3
AFL goals: 4
Started the season in a blaze of glory by kicking three goals against Fremantle in round one, but was sidelined by groin problems after round three. Is aiming to have a big pre-season and then turn things around in 2018.
7. Harry Taylor
AFL games: 25
AFL goals: 22
Started the season up forward, then finished up down back. In short, Harry was the Cats’ everywhere man in 2017. Was selfless and reliable as always and finished 10th in the best and fairest.
8. Jake Kolodjashnij
AFL games: 18
AFL goals: 0
2016’s Best Young Player started off in the backline, then moved up to a wing during the second half of the season and showed he has great potential as a midfielder. Finished 15th in the best and fairest.
9. Zac Smith
AFL games: 21
AFL goals: 7
Carried the mantle as the Cats’ No. 1 ruckman for most of the season. Averaged 15 disposals and 32 hit-outs per game and finished eighth in the best and fairest.
10. Daniel Menzel
AFL games: 19
AFL goals: 40
Started the season in brilliant fashion, with four-goal hauls against North Melbourne in round two and Melbourne in round three and three majors against Hawthorn in round five. Form tapered off somewhat during the latter part of the season, but still finished with an impressive 40 goals.
