24 January
Golfer Jean Van der Velde was a surprise visitor to Skilled Stadium to watch training on Monday. Van der Velde, who was runner up in the 1999 British Open, came with his family, including sons Hugo (aged 5) and Louis (aged 2).
They all loved the sight of AFL footy as the Cats went through their paces, with Cameron Mooney teaching the two young lads the finer points of the game.
Coach Chris Scott, himself an excellent golfer, spent time chatting with the affable Van der Velde.
One of the funnier moments at the session came when the squad was split into teams. Ruckman Nathan Vardy laid a perfect tackle on Andrew Mackie in the middle of the ground. Just one problem - the pair were on the same team!!!
That Mackie was training with the squad was a sign of his dedication to the cause. Mackie spent Saturday afternoon taking care of some important business- getting married to long time partner Georgia.
14 Jan
With the rain pouring and Skilled Stadium drenched, the Cats moved the session indoors.
The problem wasn’t the fact it was wet and the boys didn’t want to get wet, but rather the fact that the ground surface was so wet it could cut up and not be in prime condition.
One regular face that was missing from training was David Johnson. Dave retired after the 2009 season and has been working in the Cats player development area ever since. But the popular Johnson was away preparing for his wedding on Saturday.
Everyone at the club wishes Dave and Stacey all the best for their big day.
6 January
Big Cat Cameron Mooney has returned to pre-season early after cutting short his off season break. Most of the Cats veterans come in during their holiday period to ensure they remain primed for the upcoming season.
Mooney wasn’t due back until Monday but he was working hard on Thursday. Steve Johnson also came back ahead of schedule and was on the track with the club’s young brigade throughout the week.
The entire list is due back next week.
4 January
Over 30 players returned to training and spent two hours out on Skilled Stadium. Players with eight years experience get another week before returning next Monday.
Former Cat Sam Hunt watched the session and caught up with his old team mates. Hunt has spent the past two years at South Fremantle in the WAFL.
