GEELONG will enter round 18 against the Hawks full of confidence after their victory against the Saints moved them two games and percertage clear on top of the ladder.
With the Cats' VFL team also in good form having won six of their past eight games, there are a host of players in the selection mix this week.
Jake Kolodjashnij
Missed his first AFL match of the season after he was a late withdrawal against the Saints. Ranked elite for contested marks and spoils in 2019, Kolodjashnij has been a mainstay down back and looks set to return this week if he can pass a fitness test.
Ryan Abbott and Zac Guthrie
Both players didn’t feature in any football on the weekend as they were the carryover AFL emergencies. Both will be in the selection mix again this week.
TOP VFL PERFORMERS
Zac Smith (27 Hit-outs, 15 disposals, one goal)
One of Geelong’s best in their win against Sandringham. Gave his midfielders first use with 27 hit-outs and worked hard around the ground with 15 touches and seven marks.
Lachie Henderson (15 disposals, eight rebound 50s, five marks)
Put his hand up for an AFL recall with another strong performance down back for the Cats. Provided excellent rebound and has been a key reason behind of Geelong’s recent VFL success.
Lachie Fogarty (25 disposals, six score involvements, six tackles)
Responded well to his AFL omission by collecting 25 touches and six tackles. Stood up late when the match was there to be won.
Lachie Fogarty flies for a mark. Credit: Arj Giese
Darcy Fort (One goal, 16 disposals, eight clearances)
Might find it hard to break into the team this week following the return of Esava Ratugolea. Was solid on the weekend with his clearance work a highlight.
Charlie Constable (29 disposals, eight clearances, five score involvements)
Constable was the Cats’ major ball winner in the victory against Sandringham. The big-bodied midfielder had 22 handballs and was influential at stoppages, winning it from congestion with eight clearances and dishing it out to the running players.
James Parsons in action against Sandringham. Credit Arj Giese
James Parsons (22 disposals, four clearances, one goal)
Has to be a chance to play his third AFL game this season after another polished performance on the weekend. Parsons finished the game with 22 touches and pushed forward to kick a classy goal.
Sam Simpson (22 disposals, five clearances, four score involvements)
Has been one of Geelong’s best this season and produced another consistent performance on the weekend. His evasiveness in traffic and ability to use his hands in close to find teammates on the outside has been a feature of his game in recent weeks.
Quinton Narkle (20 disposals, four rebound 50s)
Produced arguably his best performance of the season. Narkle has excellent pace and he used it to good effect gathering 20 touches and four rebound 50s.
