With an 8-3 record and in third position on the ladder at the mid-season bye, the Cats are well placed for a tilt at the top four in 2017.
But before we turn for home, the break gives us a chance to reflect as Cats Media asks you, the fans, to have your say in our Mid-season Awards.
In our first two instalments we asked, which win has been the Cats’ best so far in 2017 and who wins the Half-Way Carji as best and fairest?
For our final award we want to know, who has been the Cats’ Kardinia Surprise as the biggest surprise packet of 2017?
Let’s look at the contenders:
Tom Stewart
We are all now well versed in the story of Tom Stewart.
A talented defender coached by Matthew Scarlett at South Barwon, Stewart arrived on the doorstep of Simonds Stadium to try his hand at VFL in 2016.
12 months on, the 24-year-old dons Corey Enright’s famous no.44 week in, week out and has well and truly cemented himself in the Cats’ best 22 as not only a bit part, but an integral pillar in defence.
In fact, focusing on Stewart’s story almost doesn’t do justice to just how good he has been. Averaging 14 disposals in defence, Stewart is rarely – if ever beaten – in the contest (note: round 10 versus Robbie Gray in the dying moments).
Supported by Mackie, Lonergan and Henderson when learning his craft at AFL level, Tom Stewart has all the tools to improve even further.
Andrew Mackie
2017 was always a question mark for Andrew Mackie. At 32 years old, what would he be able to deliver in a season many had considered to be his last?
That he has played well enough to warrant discussion around extending his career to a 15th season next year will then come as s surprise, but proves the age old adage: “you never write off a champion”.
And that is exactly what Mackie is. Three premierships, a one-time All-Australian and now with 200 career wins to his name, there’s not much more for veteran defender to do.
But to be judged only on the now, Mackie’s season to date has been nothing short of sensational. Averaging 21.8 disposals – which is only bettered by his 2008 and 2010 output – Mackie is still providing his trademark run, carry and clean, creative disposal while being as defensively responsible as he has ever been.
The fact is, in a year many thought Mackie would be fighting tooth and nail to hang on, he is not only an undeniable asset to the Cats’ best 22 but the side’s premiership hopes as well.
Scott Selwood
With losses to Collingwood, Gold Coast and Essendon, the Cats were embattled in a three-game skid ahead of their round nine clash with reigning premier the Western Bulldogs. The season was teetering close to the edge.
Enter Scott Selwood.
That the 27-year-old is even listed as a surprise is almost ridiculous for a former vice-captain and club best and fairest winner at AFL level, but add a couple of injury-plagued seasons to the mix and everyone seems to forget how good you are.
There’s no denying Selwood has had a profound impact on the Cats already in 2017. In just three weeks, he’s registered 17, 17 and 10 tackles for a total of 44 and his latest performance against the Crows – in which he nullified the influence of star Rory Sloane while collecting 25 disposals himself – is only the base level for what Selwood can deliver when fit.
