This article was originally published on Joel Selwood’s blog, which can be accessed here.

We took another step forward on Friday night and to beat Collingwood on the big stage is a confidence booster for our young group. It was probably our first four-quarter performance for the season and it was pleasing to see the next generation of stars spark us early in the game.

It’s not all about stats, but to have Mitch Duncan, Jackson Thurlow, Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy and Stevie Motlop among the highest possession winners was telling.

Collingwood is a side we rate highly, so to come out of the blocks with seven goals in the opening term was pivotal. We just did the simple things well.

There was a good feeling in the rooms before the match with Tom Lonergan playing his 150th and Josh Cowan returning for his first game at AFL level since 2011.

‘It was disappointing to see josh cowan get injured in the first quarter, but it won’t be the last time you see him at senior level this year.’

We found out Josh would be playing on Wednesday and it gave the group a lift. It was disappointing to see him get injured in the first quarter, but it won’t be the last time you see Josh at senior level this year. He’ll overcome this hurdle like he has others in the past three seasons and return better than before.

I have been asked about my hand a number of times over the weekend after it was not looking all that great Friday night during the game. It’s on the mend and feeling much better, I will have to work closely with the medical staff early this week but confident it will mend quickly and I will be right to go.

We now board a plane for the first time this season and play the Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night. We rate them as one of the best sides in the competition, but we will focus on playing our brand of footy and attack the contest.

We enter Round 7 with confidence and feel like we’re building momentum with every match.

Finally and most importantly, I would like to wish all all the mum’s out there a very Happy Mother’s Day. I’m so blessed to have such an amazing mum who has always supported myself and my three brothers and still to this day, never misses a Cats game.

Go Cats & Happy Mothers Day!!