Tonight Mitch Duncan is looking forward to playing some hot footy in Alice Springs, where the Cats will take on Melbourne for their second NAB challenge.
With a 16-day break since their last game the Cats are now eager to put their footy into action.
“We just want to play the footy that we have been training for over the past two or three months,” Duncan said.
“We’ll implement our game plan and set up well and stuff like that. This game is not about Melbourne - we’ll just play our own game of footy.”
The 22-year-old admits the moment has come for the younger guys to take that next leap if the Cats want to continue their road of success.
“Yeah definitely. The emphasis is on us younger guys to step up if we want to improve drastically - so I’ll definitely be trying to put my foot forward again and take my game to the next level.”
Despite George Burbury’s horrific injury, Duncan believes the youngster has shown strong signs of becoming a key player for the Cats, along with Lincoln McCarthy.
Also the Cats have already seen some pleasing footy from their first-year picks, with Jarad Jansen, Nick Bourke and Jake Kolodjashnij all joining the squad to Alice Springs.
“I think there are a few, we saw George Burbury get injured last game and he was playing pretty good footy up until then and was training the house down,” Duncan said.
“Lincoln McCarthy has also been training really well and we brought him up here to show everyone what he can do.
“And we’ve got a few of our first year players up here as well - so we’re looking forward to seeing them out on the track.”
Duncan really hopes Hamish McIntosh will have his first game in Alice Springs, however, the Cats and McIntosh are keeping expectations low.
“He’s looking good.”
“He had a really solid preseason and he’s on the bus, which is a start because it’s not guaranteed he’ll play yet.”
“He’s still conscience that he might not get on the field and he’s keeping his cards close to his chest but hopefully we see him out there.”
Once again the Cats are out on the hunt for another grand final appearance this year after missing their chance by only five points in 2013.
“Obviously every year is a year for redemption we just want to go out there (this season) and play our best footy and contend the best we can - hopefully if it all goes well we’ll play finals and then our ultimate goal is to play in a grand final.”
“We’ve got the list to do it and the coaching staff have been very good this year - we just can’t wait to start playing.”
Jarad Rivers, who left the Dees at the end of 2012, will tonight play his first game in the blue and white hoops against his old teammates.
“Rivers hasn’t played against his old side yet so it will be pretty interesting to see how they treat him. We’ve always loved (Shannon) Burnsy so I don’t think we’ll be too harsh on him.”
