Last time Dawson Simpson packed his bag for Perth to meet the Dockers it was to play his first game as a senior Cat.
Filling in for senior ruckman Brad Ottens, Simpson was called upon to compete against one of the most ominous ruckmen in the competition, Aaron Sandilands.
Having no prior experience against such a fierce opponent, Simpson did well to win five hit-outs, 12 disposals and six marks during his first ever game in the AFL.
Two years on and 17 games richer, the 206cm ruckman feels excited and well primed to revisit the big occasion against the 211cm Docker, who has got 184 games on top of him.
This Saturday night will be the pairs first meeting since Simpson’s debut in 2010.
“I definitely feel better prepared, last time I was a late inclusion for Otto and being my first game I didn’t really know what was happening,” Simpson told Cats TV.
“I was just trying to take it all in and take on the big fella, so hopefully this time I’m a bit more prepared.
“I’m a couple of years older, the body is a bit stronger and I’ve got to know the game a bit better - I’m really looking forward to it actually.”
Simpson has assessed his challenger and he understands which role needs to be taken to reduce Sandilands’ influence in the middle.
“His strength is just giving them (his midfielders) the first use and he’s such a dangerous weapon for them, so I’ve got to nullify that and on top of that I’ve got to give our boys as much use of the ball as I possibly can,” Simpson explained.
Last time the Cats travelled across the Nullarbor to battle the Dockers, in 2012, they only fell short by four points. However, this time around the Cats are determined to bring home the win from Patersons Stadium.
“I’m really hoping I can get my hand to a few and hopefully we can take the win - because to be honest we need to beat them over there,” Dawson said.
Click on the video above to relive Dawson Simpson’s debut against Fremantle in 2010, Round 3, where unfortunately the Cats stumbled in the last quarter to lose by seven points.
