The season so far
The Cats started well with five-straight wins but hit a stumbling block from round six that involved three consecutive losses and criticism for their lack of pressure. However, they've since righted themselves with a triple-hit of victories at Simonds Stadium. They've been as high as second (after round five) and as low as seventh (following round two), and while their form slumped considerably in late April/early May, they were always going to come out of it with their home ground-heavy run of games if key players stayed on the park. The return of Scott Selwood in round seven has also made a huge impact, with his hardness adding a fresh dynamic to Geelong's midfield.
Quarters won: 22
Players used: 33
Yet to play: Ryan Abbott, Wylie Buzza, Ryan Gardner, Cory Gregson, Zach Guthrie, Matthew Hayball, Jack Henry, Timm House, Jamaine Jones, Quinton Narkle, Esava Ratugolea, Sam Simpson.
Stats leaders
Disposals: Patrick Dangerfield (326)
Marks: Mitch Duncan (83)
Goals: Tom Hawkins (30)
Tackles: Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield (66)
Metres gained: Zach Tuohy (485.1m average)
Intercept possessions: Lachie Henderson (64)
Best win
Round nine against the Western Bulldogs. The Cats rediscovered their tackling pressure and overcame a second-half comeback to snap a three-game losing streak and claim a 23-point win at home.
One that got away
Round eight against Essendon. After being dominated all night, the Cats never really deserved to win despite getting within 11 points in the last quarter – had they kicked straight and not registered 6.6, they might have stolen four points.
Joel Selwood's toughness and leadership have been front and centre this year. Picture: AFL Photos
Best and fairest leader: Joel Selwood
Surprise packet: Tom Stewart
Who's struggling: Rhys Stanley
Missing in action
Cory Gregson. The unlucky forward has endured problems with his foot since the middle of last year, and after surgery in January to remove a problematic screw, remains on the long-term injury list and isn't likely to play anytime soon.
The concern
Their forward line lacks any real consistency. Tom Hawkins and Daniel Menzel remain the constants and the Harry Taylor experiment works sometimes, but outside of them, the Cats have rotated a number of players through their attacking structure without settling on a reliable formula. They've largely had to do it because of injuries, but it's something they need to focus on as they failed to clear 100 points in any of their losses and have only managed it once in their past three wins
Pass mark
Of their 11 games left, the Cats have four interstate trips but that's somewhat offset by four games at Simonds Stadium, where they've lost once in 15 starts. However, they play six games against current top eight sides – including two against Greater Western Sydney – so 7-8 more wins would be around the mark.
The coach
The Cats have backed Chris Scott to take the team through the next few years with a contract extension tying him up until at least the end of 2019. He is blessed with a hardened midfield and experienced defenders, but is still working out the best way to assemble the forward line, although Nakia Cockatoo and Brandan Parfitt (out with a long-term hamstring) are emerging talents who will strengthen that area when consistently fit.
How the best 22 has changed
The return of Jake Kolodjashnij has strengthened the backline while Scott Selwood has added toughness to the midfield. Lincoln McCarthy is out for 6-8 weeks with a groin injury and first-year mid/forward Parfitt has a hamstring of a similar timeframe, but both would be in the 22 if fit.
B: Jake Kolodjashnij, Tom Lonergan, Tom Stewart
HB: Andrew Mackie, Lachie Henderson, Zach Tuohy
C: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, Mitch Duncan
HF: Steven Motlop, Harry Taylor, Darcy Lang
F: Daniel Menzel, Tom Hawkins, Nakia Cockatoo
FOLL: Zac Smith, Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Selwood
I/C: Cam Guthrie, Sam Menegola, Jordan Murdoch, Jed Bews
In from pre-season best 22: Jake Kolodjashnij, Scott Selwood, Darcy Lang, Jordan Murdoch, Jed Bews
Out from pre-season best 22: Jackson Thurlow, Rhys Stanley, Lincoln McCarthy, Josh Cowan, Tom Ruggles.
• Who did we tip for your club's best 22 in round one?
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