Cranston rates Cat mids

GEELONG ballwinner Richelle Cranston believes the Cats’ midfield has gone through 2018 underrated as it prepares for tomorrow’s grand final against Hawthorn.

The Cats lost Renee Garing to a sacral stress fracture after Round 5, but former Carlton on-baller Madeline Keryk has slipped straight into the midfield alongside Cranston, with Maighan Fogas, Hannah Burchell and Hayley Trevean among the other ballwinners.

Meanwhile, premiership Geelong Falcons Olivia Purcell and Nina Morrison have bolstered their stocks in the back half of the year, turning the fourth-placed Cats into a potential premier.

“Liv Purcell coming through, she’s a little gun, and Nina Morrison … they’re my favourite, my little ones,” Cranston said.

“I think Liv had 14 tackles on the weekend; she’s a fiery little cracker that one, but she’s been amazing. I think she’s probably got more football experience than me, having played from such a young age, so she’s driving the leadership in there and she’s really good with her voice, so I’m happy for her to yell at me any day.”

Cranston, who turns 29 on Tuesday, said Keryk was a player who doesn’t get the external plaudits she deserves.

“I think Maddy Keryk is one of the best midfielders and she’s been a great addition, especially with Renee being injured — because Renee’s probably very underrated as well, super-fit — but Maddy Keryk has filled that hole while she’s been injured,” she said.