CATS FIND THEIR MISSING LINC

RYAN ABBOTT

“I thought he was the most dominant ruckman on the ground, just followed up as well and got after the ball,” said coach Shane O’Bree. “He played with a bit of aggression and that’s what we’ve been asking for.” CHARLIE CONSTABLE Was trialled down back and looked comfortable, amassing 14 touches in the first half before a third-quarter concussion — suffered in a sling tackle — ended his day.

WYLIE BUZZA

Took some crushing marks in the first half and was also dominant in the ruck. Has found some good form after a slow start and justifies his selection the AFL squad. He’s not far away from a game if Chris Scott is thinking about giving Esava Ratugolea a rest.

LINCOLN McCARTHY

Brilliant return from McCarthy, who played all day as a small forward. Kicked a goal with his first kick of 2018 and then his second came early in the second quarter — a classy running goal from the top of the 50m — which was certainly a highlight.

SAM SIMPSON

Was also lively in his first game of 2018, playing mostly on a wing and across half forward. Looked sharp on both sides of his body, got plenty of the ball and was slick though traffic. However, he missed two set shots, including a pivotal one in the last quarter that could have won his side the game. Those finishing touches will come.

GRYAN MIERS

Probably his best game for the season and continued to improve as the game went on. We all know about his TAC Cup grand final effort of seven goals, but he again seemed to rise to the occasion when the game was tight late. A crucial goal to start the last quarter gave his side a spark and he almost had a second when a shot on goal slid right.

SCOREBOARD

COLLINGWOOD 6.7 8.7 12.11 13.13 (91) GEELONG 1.0 5.3 8.6 13.9 (87) GOALS: Collingwood: Gallucci 4, McLarty 2, Fasolo 2, Blair 2, Hellier, Chippendale, Blair.

Geelong: McCarthy 3, Stanley 2, Dobson 2, O’Connor, Abbott, Atkins, Narkle, Black, Jones. Best: Collingwood: Gallucci, Blair, Hore, Mihocek, Oxley, Hetherington.

Geelong: Abbott, McCarthy, Hayball, Kol, Simpson, O’Connor. At Olympic Park Oval