Dawn to Dark: All the likes and dislikes from the Cattery after Round 20

Geelong got back on the winners list, but a match-up underlined one of its weaknesses. Plus, the Cat who looks to have an All-Australian spot sewn up and all the likes and dislikes.

Tyson Stengle kicked three goals against North Melbourne. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

Geelong got back on the winners list after a shocker the previous week.

The Cats were challenged by North Melbourne but kicked away at the end, with a host of their big names starring.

But another danger game awaits against Adelaide at GMHBA Stadium this weekend.

See all the likes and dislikes from Round 19.

LIKES

1. ALL AUSTRALIAN SMALL FORWARD

You can see why St Kilda was so eager to prise Tyson Stengle out of Geelong. Whenever the Cats needed it on Saturday, Stengle stepped up to the plate to kick a decisive goal – and he only needed a split second to do it. The opportunistic goalsneak has created something out of nothing so often this year, and it is this element of his game that should see him picked in the All-Australian side along with the raw numbers. Stengle has kicked more goals than any other general forward – every player ahead of him in the Coleman Medal race is more than 190 centimetres tall – and rates elite for forward 50 ground ball gets and score involvements. We hear a lot about his stunning 2022 season and his numbers this year are comparable. He looks to have another All-Australian jacket sewn up — that’s if he is unaffected by his nightclub incident that forced him to be taken to hospital.

2. STEW’S WELL AND TRULY BACK

Tom Stewart’s form had been trending in the direction of his very best, but his stellar display against North Melbourne showed he is well and truly back. The Cats vice-captain received no attention from the Roos and thrived, winning 32 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 13 intercepts, four intercept and three centre clearances marks. It was Stewart’s best intercept game since round 10 and he spent 86 per cent of time in the midfield, constantly pushing back to cut off opposition forays. Stewart had his best game of the season up against Adelaide earlier in the season, equalling the intercept mark record, so he should expect a tighter leash this time around. But the midfield move should see him much better prepared. He is a big reason why the Cats have managed to get their defensive game back on track, ranking second in the competition for their work without the footy according to Champion Data.

3. GOOD BEWS

A senior regular from 2017-2023, Jed Bews had been unsighted at AFL level due to form and injury until last weekend. Promoted off the back of some strong VFL form, the defender looked very assured against North Melbourne, laying four tackles and taking three intercept marks, making a convincing case to remain in the side. Bews, 30, comes out of contract at the end of the year and more performances like this will help convince the Cats that he is worthy of remaining on their list.

Jed Bews had been on the outer. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

DISLIKES

1. RUCK CONCERN

After showing promising signs as mobile ruckman across the past month, Sam De Koning did not attend one ruck contest on Saturday. He was back in his more familiar key defensive post, earning a coaches vote for his performance, while Mark Blicavs took the ruck reins. The clearance battle was fairly even, but North Melbourne big man Tristan Xerri was comprehensive up against Blicavs. Xerri contested possession tally was greater than Blicavs’ entire possession count, finishing as the second-ranked player on the ground with 25 disposals, 15 hit-outs to advantage, 14 contested possessions and eight tackles. The Cats had three scores from clearance to North Melbourne’s five in their duels 58 ruck contests, but a better side may be able to get on top with similar ruck dominance. The Sean Darcy-Luke Jackson partnership looms large in round 22, while Brodie Grundy Tim English and Tom De Koning may also await the Cats in September. Do they look to Rhys Stanley to quell these ruck stars? They can’t afford this kind of one-sided battle when it matters most.

Tristan Xerri had the better of Mark Blicavs. Picture: Steve Bell/Getty Images

2. ROHAN INJURY

Gary Rohan hadn’t been shooting the lights out – held goalless in two and a half games of footy before his concussion against North Melbourne – but he will still need replacing. There isn’t a like for like replacement for Rohan, and Ollie Henry’s display will fill them with confidence they can fill the void, but there is no shortage of players putting their hand up for senior selection. Hard nosed youngster Ted Clohesy showed great defensive intent after being subbed on for Rohan, laying five tackles in less than a half. There is also Tom Atkins who has conservatively missed the last two games with a back and hamstring issue and Zach Tuohy (managed) that are waiting in the wings. Mitch Knevitt (27 disposals, nine tackles and two goals), Jhye Clark (23 disposals, 10 tackles and a goal) and Brandan Parfitt (23 disposals and a goal) all had impact and hit the scoreboard in the VFL, while Rhys Stanley travelled to Hobart as an emergency.

Originally published as Dawn to Dark: All the likes and dislikes from the Cattery after Round 20