The Cats had to fight hard for their fourth win in a row and here is what we learnt thanks to Deakin University.

The new faces of the Cats

How is this for a stat that will floor you. Sunday was the first time in 292 straight games that the Cats didn’t have Joel Selwood or Harry Taylor out on the field for the Cats. AFL stats guru Sir Swamp Thing pointed out that the Crows clash was the first time since Round 11, 2008 that the Cats haven’t had their current captain and former vice-captain in the side. The Cats are blessed with leaders across the ground however with stand-in captain Patrick Dangerfield, Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan, Mark Blicavs and Tom Stewart able to perform their leadership roles in their absence.

Guth-ji?

It’s been a couple of matches since we’ve pointed out the impressive exploits of midfielder Cam Guthrie but it’s that time again. It is the no-fuss work rate of Guthrie that shining through week in, week out. Like a Blue Heeler, Guthrie’s dogged determination to make, and impact, contests has been perhaps the most telling improvement around the ground. The consistency with which he’s been doing it points at Guthrie being the favourite for this year’s Carji Greeves medal. And when you consider the quality of his teammates and their performances this year, it says a lot.

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Guthrie post-match (R13)

Cam Guthrie speaks after the win over Adelaide. Presented by Ford

Jack in the pack

The Cats may have been questioned this year about Jack Steven’s load management that has seen him rarely play consecutive games in the condensed season but Sunday afternoon may have been the best look for how the new recruit will impact the side. Steven finished the day as the third highest ranked player on the ground tallying 24 disposals, 11 tackles and seven score involvements. The Cats would be buoyed be Steven’s form and adding further consistent depth to their midfield group.

How lucky we are

Following an AFL side is something you do with the understanding that, due to the equalisation strategies put it place, winning isn’t meant to be something that happens all the time. But if you have been following the Cats only since 2006, your 350 games as a fan has resulted in 250 wins or 71%. Cats fans can consider themselves a lucky bunch!