Cats TV caught up with key defender Harry Taylor after the Cats took out the Lions on their home turf with a 25-point win at the Gabba.

Despite the oppressive humidity, the Cats, with a lot of push and shove, were able to uphold the lead from the first siren to the last.

“Tough contested style of footy in some pretty torrid conditions, you certainly go home with some bruises after those sorts of games,” Taylor told Cats TV.  

Sunday’s game turned out to be an oscillating battle with both teams fighting as hard as each other to keep their hands on the ball.

“It was back and forth a fair bit and probably quite a few inside-50s either end, but I guess it’s still early in the season and teams are still trying to work out the best method to attack and defend, ” Taylor said.

Taylor, who delivered 11 disposals with a team high of 90.9% efficiency, says his teammate Andrew Mackie presented another high performance for his 200th game.  

“Yeah he was outstanding, I thought he had a very consistent game. He was always there to help out whether he was in the air or on the ground,” Taylor said.

Another Cat that stood out to the fans, spectators as well as Taylor was speedy midfielder Travis Varcoe, who ended the fight with two majors, 10 tackles and 16 touches.

“He was outstanding in the middle and up forward again, I thought he had a really consistent game he played a style of football that we expect from him and he’s started the season really well,” Taylor explained.

As a team, Taylor says the Cats have not yet reached their full potential. However, he’s confident the Cats are on the right track and have a lot more to show with their younger players improving each and every week.

“We’ve been a little bit patchy but there are certainly some really good signs, our younger guys are playing some great football at the moment and our experienced guys are hungrier than ever – so a good start to the year and a lot more football to play yet,” Taylor said.  

This Saturday the Cats prepare for their first game on the AFL’s biggest stage at the MCG, where they’ll meet their rival contender Collingwood for Round 3.

After seeing flashes of Collingwood’s win over the Swans, Taylor says the Cats will set themselves up for another heated challenge.

“I watched a little bit of the game and I was really impressed with how they fought back and got themselves into the game, particularly with some of their midfield leaders.”

“They were quiet in the first half but really stepped up when needed - so we’re going to have to be right on top of our game to make sure we can beat those guys next week.”

Click on the video above to catch the full interview with Harry Taylor.