‘’We got some great new recruits including Hamish, Jared and Josh, who have given us an extra buzz and have replaced some key players, such as Scarlett,’’ Duncan told Cats TV.
‘’Then we’ve got the young kids coming through as well, they’ve all stepped up another notch, so things are getting exciting down here at the Cats.’’
After last years disappointing end to the season, Duncan knows that senior coach, Chris Scott, is concentrating on player development to further increase the team’s competitiveness against those stronger clubs.
‘’(We) finished middle of the pack last year so there are teams on top of us and we need to match them,’’ Duncan said.
Duncan told Cats TV that he sees both the Eagles and Essendon as the clubs’ biggest challenge this season.
‘’I think the Eagles are going to be pretty strong, I also think Essendon for some reason.’’
‘’They started the year on fire last year and unfortunately we were struck by injuries, so if they can stay fit they (Essendon) should be ok.’’
Although the Cats have experienced a significant list of retirees over a short period of time, Duncan concludes that the Cats have been able to continue their success through the guidance and support from top senior players and coaches.
‘’I think it is just fast tracking the development of the young guys, they’ve got such a good resource base (and have been able) to pick the brains of a lot of champion players and coaches; I think that has played a key part.’’
This year the Cats have welcomed three new and experienced recruits and Duncan can already see that they’ve taken charge of their new role and have settled into the club well.’’
‘’Josh Caddy has come over from the Gold Coast and he has jumped straight in and shown good leadership towards the younger guys, (and) even the older guys, he is not quietly spoken,’’ Duncan said.
‘’Hamish obviously brings a bit of ruck craft to the other players with his experience and he’s very smart on the ground, he’s just not a tall ruckman.
‘’Jared obviously is a season player and can fill the roll of Scarlo straight away, which is pretty handy.
‘’And then we have the young kids, Jackson Thurlow and Brad Hartman, (they) have come in and they’ve shown us that they’re here to play AFL.
‘’They’ve all come in and made an impact.’’
According to Duncan, the youngster Shane Kersten, is one to watch out for and believes he has the potential to go far, having showcased a positive preseason.
‘’I think Shane Kersten… he has the potential and the talent, if he works hard enough he can definitely play throughout the year and show people why he got picked up.’’
