Cats TV spoke to AFL Journalist Adam McNicol and senior defender Tom Lonergan about the positive signs that have arisen from this year’s preseason on Argue the Toss.
With five positions becoming vacant at the end of 2013, the club’s focus has turned towards the younger players taking that next step.
After a solid preseason, McNicol believes emerging players, Josh Caddy and Cameron Guthrie, will add an extra spark to the Cats senior list, along with Jimmy Bartel’s new permanent role in the forward line.
“I think the Cats preseason form has been pretty solid and certainly we’re seeing some young kids like Cameron Guthrie and Josh Caddy, who have already been important members of the team, step up there game again,” McNicol told Cats TV.
“Caddy looks like he’s put on some kilos, he’s really crashing into the packs and Guthrie well – there has been plenty of talk about him in recent weeks.”
“Chris Scott said he’d like to have one of him in the forward-line, midfield and one in the back-line - so he’s a real player to watch.
“And Jimmy Bartel up forward, that might be a really interesting move this year which will add to the Cats scoring power.”
This year the teammate that really excites Lonergan is the Cats leading front man, Tom Hawkins.
“Well for starters a fit Tom Hawkins is pretty handy, obviously he had the well-documented back injury last year but he’s been up and firing this year - and he’s been a handful to play on during the preseason match practice,” Lonergan said.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how he goes.”
Also Billlie Smedts, Jordan Murdoch and Jordan Schroder are three young Cats that Lonergan looks forward to having on the big stage.
“Billie Smedts down back, I think he’ll get his opportunities during the year and Jordan Murdoch, he’s now ready to step it up – so we have got some kids who are ready to take that next step and I think it’s really exciting,” Lonergan explained.
“(Jordan Schroder) is ready to go… he’s an in and under type player and he’ll fill the shoes of Joel Corey perfectly.”
To catch the complete episode of Argue the Toss click on the video above.
