We take a look at which Cats are knocking on the selection door to play North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Joel Selwood & Zach Tuohy
Selwood and Tuohy both missed the win against the Bombers with soreness but look set to return against the Roos.

“(I’d be) Very, very surprised if both of them didn’t play next week,” said Chris Scott post-match.

Darcy Fort
Has been in terrific form in the VFL this season, kicking five goals in three games and providing a chop out for Ryan Abbott and Zac Smith in the ruck. Was an emergency against the Bombers and appears next in line should Esava Ratugolea get rested at some point in the coming weeks.

James Parsons
A carry-over emergency alongside Fort on Sunday. Parsons has been in terrific form in the VFL this season and appears to be front of mind for selectors as a midfield/forward rotation. 


TOP VFL PERFORMANCES

Charlie Constable (25 disposals, 11 tackles, seven inside 50s)
Finished with a team-high 25 disposals and 11 tackles in an impressive performance to press his claims for an AFL recall.

Ryan Abbott (Two goals, 37 hit-outs, 10 clearances)
Kicked an equal team-high two goals to go with 19 disposals. Was massive in the middle of the ground with 37 hit-outs and 10 clearances and is firmly in the selection mix.

Lachie Henderson (17 disposals, nine marks, six rebound 50s)
Moved well in his return to football, collecting 17 possessions and consistently helping repel the ball from the defensive 50 against a dominant Essendon outfit.

Scott Selwood (13 disposals, six tackles, three score involvements)
Made a successful comeback from a hamstring strain on restricted minutes via the VFL on Sunday. Collected 13 disposals in a half of football, but will probably be given a few more games in the VFL to build match fitness.

“He was good first-up. He only had half a game, but (I was) happy with the way he was working around the contest, and he was keen around the contest as well,” said VFL Coach Shane O’Bree.

Sam Simpson (23 disposals, six tackles, one goal)
Gathered 23 touches and kicked a classy goal to be named in the Cats’ best. Was efficient (74%) with his ball use and worked hard in the Cats engine room with six tackles.

“Simmo’s had a really good month of footy,” O’Bree said.

“His ability to work in the contest, around the contest, lay tackles, take the game on – his footwork is elite when it’s up and running."

“We’ve just got to keep encouraging Sam to do that and keep his form up and, hopefully, he gets an opportunity soon.”