Any Geelong fans still uneasy about the decision to move on Paul Chapman should watch a replay of the Cats’ AFL win over Collingwood last Saturday night.

It would be exhibit A in the club’s case for letting Chapman go.

The most notable aspect of the gritty 11-point win was the strong performances of younger players such as Cam Guthrie, George Horlin-Smith and Mitch Duncan.

After an injury-plagued pre-season, the Cats are flying and will start favourites on Saturday night against West Coast at Simonds Stadium.

Like Geelong, the Eagles are unbeaten after three rounds.

Their strong start emphasises the fact that cutting Chapman was tough, but it was right.

The time had come for Chapman to move on and younger forwards such as 22-year-old Jordan Murdoch to start moving up.

It is also proving a win for everyone, with Chapman already a fan favourite at his new club Essendon.

“Credit to him – he’s a great player and he’s started the season well,” Murdoch said.

“But last year, a lot of people went on about how he’d leave a big hole in the side.

“He didn’t play a lot last year and we still got to a preliminary final.

“It has opened up the door for guys like Lincoln McCarthy, George Burbury and myself – we now have that opportunity.”

Murdoch has played 22 games for the Cats since his 2012 debut.

He is another product of a strong development and coaching regime at Geelong that means they are regenerating the team without having to rebuild.

“We’ve lost some big names, that’s well-publicised, but we have a lot of young blokes who are just chewing at the bit to get their chance,” Murdoch said.

While captain Joel Selwood starred on Saturday night and Tom Hawkins kicked three crucial last-term goals, it was the performances of younger team-mates that most delighted the Cats.

Murdoch also had a personal reason for enjoying the win.

“It’s the first time I’ve played Collingwood and I’ve really disliked them my whole life, probably,” he said.

“It’s a really good sign – it’s not always the old guard that has to do it.”

Now it is West Coast’s turn to show their depth of talent, with four forced changes to their line-up for Saturday’s game.

The absentees include captain Darren Glass because of a hip injury.

“They’re obviously missing a couple of players … but what we need to not do first and foremost is take them lightly,” Murdoch said.

“They’re a really good footy club, they have good depth and the players coming in are more than capable of playing their roles.”