GRADING THE CATS

RYAN ABBOTT

Continued to put pressure on Rhys Stanley for the No.1 ruck job with a best-on-ground performance. With ruckman Zac Smith held over as an AFL emergency, Abbott relished the lead role and was named the Damian Drum Medal winner, finishing with 16 touches, 36 hit-outs and four marks. “I thought his ruck craft was really good and around the ground he had a presence. His follow-up work … he looked really explosive away from the contest at times,” VFL coach Shane O’Bree said.

ZACH TUOHY

His first game since post-season knee surgery and finished with 14 possessions. Showed no sign of the injury that had limited his pre-season. Another game at VFL level is possible, but the Cats may look to bring him back in for Sunday’s clash with West Coast.

ZACH GUTHRIE

If Tuohy doesn’t return, it might come on the back of Guthrie’s form. The junior Guthrie brother put in another top performance to finish with 19 disposals. Seems on the verge of returning to the AFL team.

JAMES PARSONS

Another Cat who is very much in the mix for an AFL game. Was Geelong’s major ballwinner on Saturday with 26 possessions, playing as an inside midfielder. “He is starting to get to that stage where he is starting to look too good for VFL and needs an AFL opportunity,” O’Bree said. “He looks confident at VFL level with whatever scenario he is thrown into. He is really damaging with the ball, taking the game on, clean around the contest. He is playing as an inside mid — will he get that opportunity at AFL, who knows?”

DARCY FORT

Showed strong hands up forward, taking a number of crucial marks, finishing with three goals. Also helped out superbly in the ruck and was one of Geelong’s best players. Starting to gain confidence now.

QUINTON NARKLE

Narkle finished with 18 possessions and a goal in which VFL coach Shane O’Bree labelled his best game. But most importantly Narkle showed the traits that saw him feature in Geelong’s AFL team heading into finals. A recall seems around the corner. “I thought he was super,” O’Bree said. “That’s the Quinton Narkle we know. It’s (his) energy, rode the pressure, beat them in the contest, got after them. (He) had the role of playing on their captain (Matthew) Hanson, who is a very good VFL player. I thought he shut him down and beat him and then got tagged and handled the tag really well.”

BEN JARVIS

You can just tell the Cats have another exciting prospect in the No. 10 jumper. Still so raw, Jarvis showed flashes of brilliance against Werribee. His goal in the final term — which proved crucial — was just a taste of what he can do with the footy in his hand. “His ability in the contest to create a contest and follow up (is superb) … the goal summed him up. He is so young, so raw, still gaining match fitness,” O’Bree said.

OSCAR BROWNLESS

More good signs from Brownless, finishing with 18 possessions. Showed some nice decision making at times, especially early.

JACOB KENNERLEY

Had 11 disposals. Still lightly framed with development to do. “He has been thrown from mid to back to mid and it doesn’t fluster him. He is very mature for his age,” O’Bree said.

JAKE TARCA

Kicked a goal and probably should have had a few more. Played out of the goalsquare at times. Seven touches.