The Tackle: Mark Robinson reveals his likes and dislikes from Round 3

LIKES

1. Luke Hodge: He’s Mr Untouchable now he’s back in the midfield. Had 25, seven clearances and kicked two goals by half-time and seemingly does it without a direct opponent. Maybe get in his face one day, opposition?

2. Trent Cotchin: What a player he is when he’s damaging forward of centre. Kicked two, had a game-high seven inside 50s, 12 score involvements and 18 contested possessions from 37 overall. That was the Cotchin at his best: Hard, adventurous, inspiring.


3. Carlton: Made it a contest and that’s all you ask. Won contested ball 159-116 but that is distorted because the Bombers play keepings off. Still, after a week where the president effectively put every player on the trade table, the Blues played with spirit.

4. Geelong: Injuries to Bartel, Stokes and Lonergan gets knocked out in the drizzle and the Cats still hold off the Gold Coast Suns. Plenty of leaders, in particular Joel Selwood with 12 clearances, yet it will be others who coach Chris Scott puts up on the whiteboard. Mark Blicavs was prominent and had a ripper final term, Josh Walker kicked four, Darcy Lang and Cory Gregson should be automatic selections every week and Rhys Stanley was solid against Zac Smith in the ruck.

5. Travis Varcoe: Had been wary of the Varcoe trade and after two games was feeling justified. The third game, against the Saints on Friday, Varcoe justified his spot. Haven’t seen such confidence in the body-on-body stuff for several seasons. His nine tackles was one off his career high and his five marks doubled his career average. Outside of Dane Swan, it was Varcoe and Brodie Grundy who impressed most.