Competition for spots in Geelong’s best 22 is as competitive as ever after the Cats notched their seventh consecutive victory to move into top spot on the AFL ladder.
The Bendigo Bank Cats also went close to upstaging the undefeated Casey in the VFL, where several AFL-listed players put their hands up for consideration at the selection table to play Carlton in Round 18.
Quinton Narkle
Was Geelong’s leading disposal winner with 28 touches (13 contested), 6 clearances and 6 score involvements.
Francis Evans
Couldn’t have done much more with a career-best five goals from 15 disposals in an eye-catching performance. Three of his goals coming in the second term to help bring the Cats back into the contest.
Luke Dahlhaus
Played predominantly onball and found plenty of the footy with 22 disposals at 77% efficiency. Led the Cats for ground ball gets with 11 and had six clearances.
Jonathon Ceglar
Named in the best in his first game back from a broken leg with 20 disposals (16 contested), 36 hit-outs, 11 ground ball gets and six clearances.
Nick Stevens
Provided an outlet for the Cats on the outside and across half back with 19 disposals and a team-high six rebound 50s.
Mitch Knevitt
Didn’t quite have the impact as in previous weeks but still played his role with 15 disposals (9 contested) and five clearances.
Shannon Neale
Took his chances well kicking two goals from limited opportunities.
Esava Ratugolea
Competed well without much reward. Collected 10 possessions (8 contested), four tackles and kicked two behinds.
Cooper Stephens
Finished with 12 disposals, four tackles and a goal playing more outside of the contest than his usual role.
Others
Toby Conway (concussion), Ollie Dempsey, Paul Tsapatolis and Zane Williams also featured for the Cats and while each had their moments, didn’t significantly contribute to the team’s overall performance.
