After a long summer of without football, the return of the game we know and love brought with it a number of exciting storylines.
Cats Media identified five points of interest circling the Cats’ first JLT Community Series fixture against Hawthorn in Launceston. Here’s how they played out:
The return of Jackson Thurlow?
Expectations were low for the Tasmanian in his return from a knee construction. That he got through the game unscathed and had 18 disposals in the process was a brilliant result. Thurlow, by his own admission, worked into the game slowly but found his touch in the second half and played more minutes than first anticipated.
First look at new recruits
Zach Tuohy was sublime in his first outing as a Cat, leading the way with 33 disposals at 87.9% efficiency. Aaron Black topped the goal kickers with four to his name and will walk away with confidence at his new club.
First look at young blood
The opportunity was there and all took it. Zach Guthrie had 24 disposals and a goal in a superb display while Tom Stewart made a seamless transition from VFL star to AFL player. Brandan Parfitt had his hands on it early and also booted a major, while Jack Henry kicked a goal of his own and could have had more.
The Cats back on the Map
A decade had passed since the Cats travelled to Tasmania, but the result remained the same. Round four, 2007 saw Geelong lose to Hawthorn by four points and 10 years plus a Kade Stewart goal on the siren later, the Cats lost again. Nonetheless, there was a lot to like from the two sides as they tested themselves and their structures in another close one.
Welcome back, Roughy
Like Thurlow, there were next to no expectations for new Hawthorn skipper Jarryd Roughead. After an eight-month long battle with cancer, Roughead returned in Launceston and kicked a goal amongst 14 disposals. At one point he matched up on Patrick Dangerfield in the centre square and generally covered the ground with ease. Overall, there were sights reminiscent of the Roughead of old and it was pleasing for all to see.
