Cats v Eagles - snippets

TURNING POINT: Not really much of a turning point, but impressive Eagles forward Ben McKinley missed a relatively simple shot just before quarter-time which would have given his side the lead. Maybe if he had kicked truly the Eagles would have approached the rest of game with a different mindset.

STAR MAN: Take your pick from anyone of Geelong's 22 players. I like Joel Selwood, so let's plump for him. Selwood plays like he is a 10-year veteran and, for a player in just his second year in the AFL, the 20-year-old just oozes class. Selwood picked up 29 disposals against the Eagles and used everyone of those possessions perfectly.

ABSOLUTE SHOCKER: Eagles forward Ashley Hansen had a day he would rather forget. Hansen booted the Eagles first goal of the match and everything looked rosy for the key forward. But from that point on, Hansen could only manage one more disposal and spent parts of the second half on the bench.

WHAT A GOAL: Brent Prismall's effort in the third term was pretty spectacular. Prismall slammed it on his boot from about 55m out from goal with the intention of gaining some ground for his side. But the ball bounced on its end, over Cameron Mooney and Darren Glass in the goal square and through for six points.

CLASSIC GRAB:Jimmy Bartel's mark in the final quarter showed just how classy the reigning Brownlow medalist is. Bartel was being held by the arm by Steven Armstrong, but still managed to pull in a one-handed grab under extreme pressure. Given the cold and wet conditions on the day, Bartel's mark was just as good as some of the high-flying efforts seen during the year.

UNSUNG HERO: Mark Blake continues to play an excellent supporting role in the ruck and he was at it again against the Eagles on Saturday. Blake had 19 hitouts, 14 disposals and teamed beautifully with Brad Ottens all day. This duo will need to perform well if the Cats are going to win the premiership this season.