Simpson… eh! I’ll remember that name.

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen the pulled-up socks and number 37 running around in an AFL game. In fact, it has been over 700 days since Sam Simpson played in the Cats AFL side. In that time, he managed to win the Cats VFL best and fairest amongst a series of leg injuries. Now fully fit, the Cats coaches have been itching to get Simpson back into the action and pulled the trigger at this week’s selection. The 22-year-old built strongly into the game and finished with a game high 27 disposals, 13 contested possessions, six marks, five tackles and two clearances. It was an exceptional performance by the young Cats with the wing responsibility falling to him falling Mitch Duncan’s first quarter injury. Cats fans should be excited to see how the son of former Cat, Sean builds into the rest of the season.

At home or far away

 It’s been 123 days since the Cats players last played in front of a crowd. Since that game at Central Reserve in Colac, the Cats have had only broadcast staff, a handful of club staff and a couple of security guards to watch on at their game. But on Thursday night the Cats fans belied their numbers to cheer on their side at the SCG. The 800 members in attendance rode the bumps with the players and shouted encouragement throughout the game. Next week’s clash in Perth at Optus Stadium is a chance for 30,000 fans which will again provide the side with added motivation.

Don’t forget about Blitz 

Whilst all the well-deserved talk has been around Brisbane’s Harris Andrews impressive start to the season in defence, Mark Blicavs showed why his name should always been discussed around the game’s premier key defenders. Blicavs gathered 11 disposals, four marks and affected nine spoils whilst keeping his opponent Eric Hipwood to one goal. Blicavs endurance and running power was on show with the defender recording a goal assist and three score involvements pushing forward when the Cats were in attack.

Hard and gutsy

The overall characteristic of the Cats come from behind victory was their dogged intent at the ball. The Cats won the contested possessions 130-109, tackle count 66-62 and their aggression highlighted by former Swan Gary Rohan showed the Cats can match it with the best winning the ball in and under. But the balance of toughness and class was on show in the third quarter as the Cats turned a 22-point deficit into an unassailable lead. The players were quick to pick each other up off the ground and that type of team first attitude will hold them well as they enter their Western Australian hub next week.