VFL run no danger for Cats stars

GEELONG superstar Patrick Dangerfield has tuned up his game for a return to AFL level in Round 5 with a starring role at VFL level.

While some in the football world questioned whether the Brownlow medallist should be eligible to play in the VFL practice matches while serving a suspension at the top level, Dangerfield got to work against Collingwood and helped his side to a victory.

Fellow suspended Cat Gary Rohan also played at Deakin on Saturday afternoon and coach Shane O’Bree said the pair had shown they were ready for a recall against North Melbourne on Sunday.

“Danger (pictured) was obviously the standout, as he should be. He is in a good spot to come back into the team next week,” O’Bree said.

“It was good for Esava (Ratugolea) to get through half a game. I thought Gary Rohan got better as the game went on.”

It was a successful return from a leg fracture for Ratugolea, who sat out the final term as the Cats won the day by 12 points.

Wind and rain made it a tough day for marking forwards but the big man made his presence known in the ruck. “I thought his ruckwork and follow up was really impressive and that’s where he got the majority of his ball and he was really good there,” O’Bree said.

Ball winner Charlie Constable played a full match after he was used as the sub last week by Geelong’s AFL side.

He was typically industrious and O’Bree lauded the youngster’s ability to deal with the pain of being dropped.

“He is a guy that is pretty easy to communicate with, Charlie,” O’Bree said.

“He doesn’t whinge and moan about it, he understands the situation he has been in, so he can actually move on and do what he can.

“He embraces the contest and he can just control what he can and that is just playing well at VFL level and hopefully he can get an opportunity in the next few weeks.”

Young big man Sam De Koning was impressive playing on a wing and Josh Jenkins kicked three goals, two of which were a result of antidensity free kicks against Collingwood.