Cats Media is down one man this week as Adam McNicol enjoys some well-earned time overseas. Generally speaking, as one soldier goes down, another steps up but unfortunately that is not the case here and his much-heralded Monday Murmurings column falls to yours truly – for better or worse.

In that spirit, we’re asking you which player can the Cats least afford to lose?

Is it our inspirational skipper Joel Selwood? Averaging a career high 28.7 disposals, Selwood’s greatest asset is his intangible ability to seize the game in the most crucial moment. Leadership personified, the Cats could scarcely lose the three-time premiership player and two-time All-Australian captain.

But what about the reigning Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield? Ranked first for contested possessions in the AFL, Dangerfield impacts the game unlike any player in the competition. He never loses a contest, kicks goals and puts his team on his back every week – it’s hard to imagine the Cats without Danger.

Though the Cats could also ill-afford to lose their number one forward in Tom Hawkins. Already compiling a sensational season in front of goals, Hawkins has 28 to his name to sit sixth in the Coleman medal race. He’s ranked fifth for total contested marks and without him inside 50, the Cats simply couldn’t hit the scoreboard as much as they’d like.

Then there’s Lachie Henderson, our unassuming general in defence. Henderson is crucial to the Cats’ defensive setup, his intercept marking and precise kicking two trademarks Geelong cannot go without. The fact he blankets one of the opposition’s best forwards each week certainly helps too.

And finally, what about one of our newest Cats in Zach Tuohy? Arguably in All-Australian form, the Irishman has taken his game to another level all together since arriving at Simonds Stadium. He’s ranked fourth in total rebound 50’s, fifth in average rebound 50’s and averages 26.4 disposals. Geelong’s running game would be severely hampered without Tuohy turning defence into attack every week.

Cast your vote below as to who the Cats could least afford to lose in 2017.