The Cats have become the seventh premiers since 1990 to miss the finals the following season, an injury-riddled year creating havoc. Coach Chris Scott insists they do not need to be “terrible for a few years”.
and Jon Ceglar have already announced their retirements, but Tom Hawkins, 35, wants to go on for another year. The Cats have only three draft picks, including pick eight, but could trade players to snare another high draft pick.
Matthew Lloyd, the Essendon great and prominent commentator, said the Cats “need to take steps back”. Jhye Clark, at selection No.8 last year the Cats’ highest draft pick since 2007, made his debut as a sub in round one, but hasn’t played since because of a foot stress reaction. Ruckman Toby Conway, 20, and likened to former club premiership star Brad Ottens, has also had another injury-impacted season, but is seen as an important piece of the future. Recruits Ollie Henry, Tanner Bruhn and Jack Bowes have had a year to adjust.
They have also dipped from fourth to 11th in contested possession differential, and from sixth to 15th in uncontested possession differential, but this could be largely because of personnel issues. “We had a really good run towards the end of last year when we just got everyone back and playing really well; this year we had guys, for various reasons, couldn’t play at their best,” Scott said.
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