AFTER witnessing Geelong midfielder Patrick Dangerfield's brilliant 48-disposal performance against North Melbourne, Cats coach Chris Scott said he could not remember seeing a better performance from a midfielder. 

In his 11th game for the Cats, Dangerfield went berserk, winning 10 centre clearances and 23 contested possessions.

Scott said even the hardest judges in the coaches box couldn't help but comment on Dangerfield's efforts, as he never looked like losing a one-on-one contest.

"The numbers were outstanding but his work and power to get out of traffic is pretty special to watch," Scott said. 

Dangerfield was measured post-game but did have a wry smile when asked whether he felt like he was putting together a special game.

"I felt like it was bouncing the right way," Dangerfield said.

He said he had not been especially pleased with his past four weeks of football and was working hard behind the scenes to improve his bodywork at stoppages and his clearance rates.

In the end, Dangerfield's figure of 10 centre clearances was higher than the injury-hit North Melbourne's combined total of eight. 

Scott said he was hoping Dangerfield might be able to reach such an outstanding level of performance when recruited, but the way he had integrated into the team was what impressed most. 

"The boys love playing with him as well obviously and the way that he and Joel [Selwood] in particular are working together is exciting for our fans," Scott said.

Dangerfield said the dynamic duo had a laugh walking down the race, agreeing with Selwood (who had 38 disposals) that they had been in each other's vision all night.

"Individually, you only play well because of the players around you. They allow you to do that," Dangerfield said.

Scott said the Cats had improved in many areas in the past two weeks after a flat patch that led to losses to Carlton and Collingwood.

The loss of Tom Hawkins to suspension was covered on the night, but Scott said the Cats were better with him in the team, particularly now the Cats have several mid-sized players around him in the forward line who are hard to match up on him. 

"We think Hawkins certainly complements that group. That is a good thing to say because for a lot of years we have been talking about players that complement Hawkins," Scott said. 

Scott said the Western Bulldogs would pose a huge challenge next week.