COACH Chris Scott said he told Gary Rohan post-game that he wouldn't have wanted the ball in any other player's hands kicking to win the match. 

"I said that to him post-game and I genuinely believe it, not only in our team but across the competition. I've thought that for a long period of time," Scott said. 

"I think over the journey he's probably received some criticism for his consistency and he plays a position that's very hard to be consistent in. 

"But in terms of standing up in big moments and backing your routine and wanting that situation, I can't think of many better and I don't think that would've been the analysis of Gary Rohan five, six, seven years ago."

13:24

Scott said the Cats were confident Tom Hawkins hadn't suffered serious damage to a neck injury that sidelined him for parts of the final term in what could prove to be a pinched nerve, while it was too early to assess Mitch Duncan's knee injury. 

He added that the late change of Lachie Henderson (hip), and early injury to Duncan, meant medical sub Shaun Higgins was forced play after originally planning to rest him. 

Round 14 Showreel

When asked why carryover emergency Zach Guthrie wasn't called upon, Scott said: "I can't explain that to you without telling you things I don't want to tell you."

The Cats look set to fly to Brisbane this week to face the Lions at the Gabba on Thursday night after telling players and staff not to enter Melbourne in the past week in order to gain entry to Queensland.