

Brownlow Medallist Jimmy Bartel says the Cats defensive efforts against the Lions at Simonds Stadium will stand them in good stead for finals.



During Saturday night’s 62-point win, the Cats outstanding defence work held the Lions to a low 35 inside-50s and 13 inside-50 marks, compared to the Cats 58 inside-50s and 22 inside-50 marks.



“I think it came on the back of good defence and they all say defence wins premierships, and I think we kept them (Brisbane) under 40 inside-50s, so that was probably the plan and we got some good attack as a result of it,” Bartel told Cats TV on Saturday night.



To keep their premiership chances alive, the Cats will have to execute their best brand of footy from start to finish on Friday night, as it was clearly stated less than two weeks ago that one half of dominating play isn't good enough to down the Hawks.



Last time the two rivals contended, the Cats let their 31-point lead slip through their paws in the second term after an electrifying opening.



“We’ve got to replicate that first half and we’ve got to play it for four quarters,” Bartel admitted.



“I think we played more of a four-quarter effort tonight.



“But the Hawks are going to throw something different at us and we’ve just got to rise to the occasion.”



Click on the video above to catch more from Jimmy Bartel before Friday night's massive Qualifying Final.

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