Freo have a number of players putting their hands up for selection this week after strong showings in the WAFL.
Anthony Morabito (31 disposals) and Colin Sylvia (23 disposals and two goals) both responded well after being dropped.
Hayden Crozier had 30 touches and kicked two goals in Peel Thunder’s 65-point win over Perth and Matt Taberner had 20 touches, took nine marks, and kicked two goals. Taberner would be the logical replacement for Pavlich if he were to be ruled out.
Max Duffy was another who impressed in the WAFL with 25 disposals and three goals. Duffy played in the NAB Challenge this year but is yet to make his senior debut.
"He played very well (in the WAFL)," Ross Lyon said on 6PR.
"(He's an) excitement machine really. His power running and speed, we want some speed in our team, so he's quick."
Lyon said his side was well aware of the task in front of them over the next month with matches against Geelong, Hawthorn, the Brisbane Lions and Port Adelaide to finish the home and away season.
"We want to stand up," Lyon said.
"There's an expectation this time of year we stand up. My players and our club are under no illusions as to the expectations."
The Cats, who could be without superstar Steve Johnson through suspension, also have players performing well in the VFL.
The club’s website geelongcats.com.au highlighted the key performers in its In the Mix article.
Mitch Brown
Brown’s form is starting to peak at the right time of year. He finished with a tally of four goals and three behinds on Saturday as the dominant forward on the ground. His nine marks included four contested as he led well all day. The big question is, is there a spot in the AFL side for him? In his six games in 2014, Shane Kersten has averaged 7.5 disposals, 3.3 marks and 1.67 goals whilst freeing up Tom Hawkins greatly. In his three AFL games in 2014, Brown has averaged 10.3 disposals, 2.3 marks and one goal.
Billie Smedts
Smedts put in his greatest performance of 2014 on Saturday finishing the VFL match with 32 disposals, nine marks, three inside 50s and four rebound 50s.Matthew Knights was thrilled with Smedts’ impact in the midfield and the AFL coaches will be safe in the knowledge of Smedts’ ability should he be called upon.
Hamish McIntosh
Facing up against Aaron Sandilands is the most formidable task for any ruckman in the AFL. So who will the Cats put up against him this week? McIntosh’s last performance against Sandilands was telling. By the end of the game, McIntosh finished with just three less hitouts, three less disposals and one less mark. If the Cats think they can get a similar output from McIntosh this time, expect to see him listed in the inclusions for this week.
Jed Bews
It was a baptism of fire last time the Cats played the Dockers as Bews made his debut over in Perth. But in an otherwise tough night Bews was a shining light for the Cats finishing with 15 disposals and five tackles in a good job on Hayden Ballantyne. If the Cats think they’ll need another job done on the Dockers dynamo, Bews may be the man. Bews’ stats for Saturday included 16 disposals, nine marks and a goal.
