Patrick Dangerfield and Mitch Duncan have key roles to play against the Brisbane Lions on Friday.Credit:AFL Photos
Whether it be veterans,including Joel Selwood or Patrick Dangerfield,or star recruit Jeremy Cameron,or redefining Tom Atkins from a forward and defender into a starting midfielder,the need for greater variety,or “licence” as Cameron has put it,has seen the Cats have greater positional flexibility.
This included the sweet-kicking Duncan,the 256-gamer who in the qualifying final against Collingwood was used at half-back,through the midfield and then sent to half-forward when the contest was tight.
“Probably from day one of this pre-season,we had a lot of change,from coaching and staff and players,bit of a blank canvas,like Scotty said,” Duncan said.
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“We kind of changed the way we played,which was refreshing as well. There have been a lot of factors which have refreshed the group,probably a big part of why we are here at the minute. But still,you have to be able to implement and execute what is in front of you.”
This even included Dangerfield beginning on the bench for all four quarters against the Magpies,and Selwood the opening three. The veteran pair has been the heartbeat of the Cats for years,but Mark Blicavs’ versatility,and the development of Atkins,has added even more depth through the midfield.
“We all need them playing at their best,whether that’s starting on the bench,the start of the game,or after quarters. We want to keep power and speed on the game. For them,that’s just the role they played,” Duncan said.