In the lead-up to the pre-season opening clash against Geelong on Friday, we take a look at how the Cats have been faring this pre-season and who is putting their hand up to take their game to the next level.
Key forward Tom Hawkins has made a rapid return to full fitness, with the Cats believing he could play the pre-season opener against Hawthorn in Launceston. The 28-year-old only joined full training in mid-January after having a knee operation in October last year. In 2016, Hawkins was the Cats' leading goal kicker for the fifth year in succession, booting 55 goals to bring his career tally to 387.
The Cats are likely to trial occasionally throwing reigning Brownlow medallist Patrick Dangerfield forward throughout the JLT Community Series. After averaging one goal a game in a stellar season last year, Dangerfield has shown a propensity throughout his career of being dangerous when resting forward.
First-year player Brandan Parfitt may get the chance to show his wares after impressing during this pre-season. Geelong’s first selection in the 2015 national draft with pick 26, the Northern Territory midfielder has impressed teammates and coaches as he transitions from junior to professional footballer.
Harry Taylor is expected to be given an opportunity up forward in the clash against Hawthorn. Taylor has done the bulk of his training and match-simulation as a forward this pre-season. The West Australian has shown an ability to make an impact up forward in the past, but it seems coach Chris Scott might opt to make that a more regular fixture in season 2017.
Emerging youngster Nakia Cockatoo is one Cat putting his hand up to assume more responsibility in 2017. Cockatoo was a standout during the Cats most recent match simulation session. The 20-year-old's link-up run and carry, tackling pressure and improved composure will be crucial in Geelong improving this season. Cockatoo has shown glimpses of his immense talent in his two seasons at the Cattery, but is striving for consistency as he looks to establish himself in his side's best 22.
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Jackson Thurlow is confident that he will be cleared to play his first game in 12 months in the JLT Community Series opener in Launceston. The 22-year-old, who grew up in Launceston, missed Geelong's 2016 home and away campaign after suffering an ACL rupture in a pre-season match last year. He has been in full training for a number of weeks now and has set his sights on running out in front of his friends and family on Friday.
Darcy Lang has been consistently lauded throughout the pre-season for his form, showing promise in a midfield role. After a 2016 season which saw him regress in many ways after an impressive 2015, Lang is looking to step up and provide some further midfield support for teammates Joel Selwood and Patrick Dangerfield.
As for those Cats who we are unlikely to see in Tasmania, small forward Cory Gregson will miss the start of the home and away season after further surgery on a troublesome foot. As well as 2015 best and fairest winner Mark Blicavs, who has battled a knee issue over the pre-season and, after spending time on a modified training schedule, is unlikely to be seen this early in the JLT Community Series.
