With one team decked out in the Cats new slash strip to be worn in the NAB Cup and the other in the traditional blue and white hoops, all players were keen to show off their skills to new senior coach Chris Scott.
In beautiful conditions the clash strips got away to an early start with Tom Hawkins prominent up forward and Dave Wojcinski wreaking havoc on the wing. Both players combined for seven goals for the match. Playing across half forward, Steven Motlop, slipped out of the hands of anyone who tried to catch him as he set up numerous inside 50 entries.
In the midfield, Joel Selwood was unstoppable gathering possessions at will and not even older brother Troy, in his first outing as a Cats player, could negate him. Jimmy Bartel also enjoyed more freedom in a midfield role.
Down back youngster Tom Gillies showed he’s ready to add to his tally of AFL games. Gilles sure hands and poise set him apart from the other younger backman. Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn and Joel Corey were all electric and impressed with their continual rebounding.
Of the new faces at the club Jon Simpkin was the standout as he showed plenty of skill and toughness in the packs. The former Sydney Swan was looking extremely fit, returning to professional football after three years of local and VFL football.
After the match senior coach Chris Scott said he was extremely happy with how the match played out.
“We thought the standard of play was very good for a practice match,” Scott said.
“At some points it looked like men versus boys but we were really happy with how everyone looked out there.”
Defender Matthew Scarlett and midfielder James Kelly both limped off near the end of the game however both were cleared of serious damage and should line up for the Cats in the NAB Cup.
The Cats will play their first NAB Cup games against North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs on February 20 at Skilled Stadium.
