CATS’ BIG QUESTIONS FOR MELBOURNE GAME

1. What’s the next step in Geelong’s big man setup?

Who would have thought the Cats would be so reliant on a secondyear player in their structure? No wonder Chris Scott is daring to believe Esava Ratugolea may still play this year. Ratugolea’s absence stood out on Thursday night as the Cats struggled to have a second target in attack. Wylie Buzza’s return may only be short-lived after a quiet showing against the Crows, highlighted by his dropped mark in the middle of the ground.

2. Is Geelong’s two-speed economy working?

Geelong’s “bottom six” is forever a point of contention. In many ways, it dictates the Cats’ consistency: if Geelong gets contributions from its 16th to 22nd player, it generally wins. When they’re just passengers, the Cats generally lose. Injuries have meant a revolving door at the bottom end, but the Cats need to get it right soon. When the Cats lost to the Dogs a fortnight ago, Dangerfield, Ablett, Kelly and Selwood had 130 possessions between themselves. On Thursday, Dangerfield (32), Ablett (32), Kelly (29) and Selwood (29) all had a truckload to dominate the midfield battle, but still the result went against them. The issue is not at the top. It’s the bottom.

3. Did Daniel Menzel come back too early?

Menzel played only six quarters in the VFL across two weeks after more than two months on the sidelines with a groin setback that initially left him barely able to walk. Lacked a bit of touch on Thursday night, laid only one tackle and had the lowest number of pressure points in the side with 12.

4. How will the defence look next week?

All going to plan, Lachie Henderson and Harry Taylor will both be available for the Melbourne game next Saturday night. Harry Taylor did not play against the Crows with soreness, but is a chance to take on the Dees. “That’s the feedback I’ve got, and he may benefit from a nine-day break,” coach Chris Scott said. Lachie Henderson will play against the Demons, provided he gets through the VFL unscathed tomorrow. Cats will probably need to play Taylor forward again.

5. Can the Cats avoid a shootout?

The Cats will need to turn the Melbourne game into a scrap. The Cats typically are hard to beat when the match is a genuine armwrestle played on their terms, as highlighted by their miserly defensive record. It’s when the game opens up that the Cats are vulnerable, like on Thursday night. Melbourne has proven itself capable of kicking big scores this year, so the Cats will need to shut the game down — and improve the horrible skill errors that contributed to their loss against the Crows.