Five things we loved about the weekend's AFL and VFL action …
1. STEVEN MOTLOP'S ACTION AND WORDS
The man known as 'Mots' was among Geelong's best players in the extraordinary draw with St Kilda, tallying a game-high 33 disposals, along with seven clearances, eight inside-50s, eight tackles, 139 AFL Fantasy points and a goal. He would have had two goals if an umpire had not controversially pinged him for running too far, a decision that Cats coach Chris Scott described as a "mistake". After the game, Motlop, who is yet to sign a new contract with the club, said all the right things when he chatted to CatsTV. Speaking about the progress of players like himself and Cameron Guthrie, Motlop said: "It's a good sign for Cats fans. We've got a lot of years ahead of us and I'm looking forward to working with them. I'm really enjoying it."
2. NATHAN VARDY'S COMEBACK
There was no holding back for 'Vards' in his first AFL match since the 2013 preliminary final. He started in the ruck against St Kilda's American big man Jason Holmes, and he had an impact on the match from the outset. Although he found himself gasping for air as few times as he adjusted to the intensity of footy at the highest level, Vardy's continued to help his team throughout the game. He finished with 14 disposals, 20 hit-outs and two goals.
WATCH: Nathan Vardy's post-match interview with CatsTV
3. NAKIA COCKATOO'S LATE GOAL
For the second game in a row 'Cocky' started as the sub, and for the second week in a row he made a big impact when he came on. The youngster looked to have won the game for the Cats when he bombed a 45m goal on the run with a bit over two minutes to go. His effort put Geelong one point in front and his celebration was, as always, a thing of beauty. It would have been fitting if Cockatoo's goal proved to be the final score of the match, but the Saints ensured it was not to be.
WATCH: Highlights of the draw against the Saints, including Cocky's goal
4. SHANE KERSTEN'S VFL FORM
After a couple of weeks on the sidelines with a sore toe, Kersten returned to the field in the VFL team's clash with Sandringham at the Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday. He finished with just seven kicks, but he made the most of his opportunities, bagging five goals straight.
5. ANOTHER GAME UNDER JOSH COWAN'S BELT
As the end of the season looms (the Cats' VFL team plays its last game for 2015 on Saturday) and the list management team steps up its crunching of the numbers, Josh Cowan is doing everything in his power to win a new contract. Cowan gathered 21 disposals in the loss to Sandringham. He is a much-admired player at the Cattery, and if his body stays in good shape he is likely to be given every chance to become the player that his talent suggests he can be.
