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September 26, 2006
Chapman Cracks Top 10 on Brownlow Night
Well done Chappy! According to gfc.com.au he's the first cat to crack the top 10 since Brad Sholl in 1997 and the first to get 14 or more since Garry Hocking in 1998. Anyways here's the votes:
Geelong Vs. Brisbane
3. Paul Chapman (Geel)
2. Joel Corey (Geel)
1. Jimmy Bartel* (Geel)
Geelong Vs. Kangaroos
3. Joel Corey (Geel)
2. Kent Kingsley (Geel)
1. Matt Egan (Geel)
Geelong Vs. Hawthorn
3. Luke Hodge (Haw)
2. Sam Mitchell (Haw)
1. Richie Vandenberg* (Haw)
Western Bulldogs Vs. Geelong
3. Scott West (WB)
2. Joel Corey (Geel)
1. Robert Murphy (WB)
Sydney Swans Vs. Geelong
3. Barry Hall (Syd)
2. Adam Schneider (Syd)
1. Cameron Mooney* (Geel)
Melbourne Vs. Geelong
3. Brock McLean* (Melb)
2. Cameron Ling (Geel)
1. Aaron Davey (Melb)
St. Kilda Vs. Geelong
3. Paul Chapman (Geel)
2. Cameron Ling (Geel)
1. Darren Milburn (Geel)
Collingwood Vs. Geelong
3. Dane Swan (Coll)
2. Leon Davis (Coll)
1. Heath Shaw (Coll)
Geelong Vs. Richmond
3. Chris Newman (Rich)
2. Paul Chapman (Geel)
1. Richard Tambling (Rich)
Geelong Vs. West Coast
3. Daniel Kerr* (WCE)
2. Dean Cox (WCE)
1. Ben Cousins (WCE)
Geelong Vs. Essendon
3. Paul Chapman (Geel)
2. Dustin Fletcher (Ess)
1. Gary Ablett (Geel)
Fremantle Vs. Geelong
3. Gary Ablett (Geel)
2. Cameron Mooney* (Geel)
1. Josh Hunt (Geel)
Adelaide Vs. Geelong
3. Martin Mattner (Adel)
2. Rhett Biglands (Adel)
1. Brett Burton* (Adel)
Carlton Vs. Geelong
3. Steven King (Geel)
2. Cameron Ling (Geel)
1. Cameron Mooney* (Geel)
Geelong Vs. Port Adelaide
3. Shaun Burgoyne (Port)
2. Matthew Stokes (Geel)
1. Jimmy Bartel* (Geel)
Geelong Vs. Western Bulldogs
3. Joel Corey (Geel)
2. Brad Johnson (WB)
1. Corey Enright (Geel)
Kangaroos Vs. Geelong
3. Drew Petrie (Kan)
2. Jess Sinclair (Kan)
1. Brett Harvey (Kan)
Brisbane Vs. Geelong
3. Paul Chapman (Geel)
2. Luke Power (Bris)
1. Daniel Bradshaw (Bris)
Geelong Vs. St. Kilda
3. Nick Dal Santo (St.K)
2. Samuel Fisher (St.K)
1. Andrew Mackie (Geel)
Geelong Vs. Sydney
3. Jarad Rooke (Geel)
2. Matthew Scarlett* (Geel)
1. Adam Goodes (Syd)
Geelong Vs. Melbourne
3. James McDonald (Melb)
2. Cameron Bruce (Melb)
1. Gary Ablett (Geel)
Hawthorn Vs. Geelong
3. Shane Crawford (Haw)
2. Mark Williams (Haw)
1. Sam Mitchell (Haw)
Geelong Leaderboard
Paul Chapman - 14
Joel Corey - 10
Cameron Ling - 6
Gary Ablett - 5
Cameron Mooney* - 4
Jarad Rooke - 3
Steven King - 3
Jimmy Bartel* - 2
Kent Kingsley - 2
Matthew Stokes - 2
Matthew Scarlett* - 2
Josh Hunt - 1
Matt Egan - 1
Corey Enright - 1
Andrew Mackie - 1
Darren Milburn - 1
Posted by Sammy D at 03:08 PM | Comments (0)
Harley to lead Cats in 2007
Tom Harley will skipper the Cats in 2007 after Steven King expressed his desire to step away from the role and concentrate on his football.Harley, a veteran of 142 games was one of three vice-captains in 2006 and is one of the club’s most respected players.
“Whilst Steven sees the captaincy as a great honour, the time has come for him to concentrate on his role as one of the premier ruckmen in the AFL,” Geelong president Frank Costa said.
“Steven communicated this to the club and we agree with his view on the captaincy.
“Tom has earned enormous respect throughout the club and indeed in the wider football community. He is a player that has worked as hard as anyone to have a successful career. Everyone knows that we are a much better team when Tom is on the field and he again showed this in 2006.”
Firstly I'd like to congratulate Tom Harley on becoming the new captain of the GFC and wish him the best of luck in the role.
King has done the right thing in stepping down, if he didn't step down I'm sure he wouldn't have been captain at the club next season anyways, but why Tom Harley?
Harley seems to have excellent communication skills everytime I hear him interviewed on TV or radio and bleeds blue & white. After the Round 2 game versus Carlton in 2004 a Tom Harley post match interview on 3AW inspired Robert Walls to go out and buy a Geelong Football Club membership. In my opinion Harley is a better communicator than Steven King.
However the issue surrounding Harley is, is he fit enough to get on ground 22+ games a year. Afterall, that was King's major criticism, that he could never get his body right and spent tens of games of his tenure on the sidelines or in the coaches box. Harley after all does have an unhealthly history with injuries. He has managed only 13 games a season for the past 2 years, however Brian Cook has stated "he is in the best physical shape he has been in for a long time".
We certainly hope so Brian...
Posted by Sammy D at 02:58 PM | Comments (4)
Thompson to stay & King steps down as captain...among other things.
Well probably the most public football department review in the history of football has finally come to an end. If you are a GFC member you will receive the outcome of the review in the mail. But for those who cannot wait or aren't members here's what they media are reporting:
Cats stick with Thompson amid a raft of changes
Mark Thompson will coach a restructured Geelong Football Club for at least one more season after convincing the board yesterday he still had the passion for the job and was prepared to change his style.Among a series of significant on- and off-field changes, the club has appointed experienced defender Tom Harley as its new captain after Steven King said he no longer wanted the job, while influential president Frank Costa has indicated he could now remain at the helm for at least another three years.
Chief executive Brian Cook, who has admitted his lengthy and controversial review had been the hardest two months of his career, will take charge of the football department temporarily while the club searches for a new football chief, who will carry much of the load previously shouldered by Thompson.
"The players all indicated their admiration and respect for Mark's coaching ability," Cook told The Age yesterday. "But it became clear to us the time he had for (coaching) has been eroded. The job almost got too big for Mark and he was trying to do everything. At Geelong, we weren't really aware it was happening, but we were going down the St Kilda road of Grant Thomas, although not quite to that extent."
The coach refused to blame the break-up of his marriage on his diminished coaching focus, though he admitted: "You don't know from the inside whether it did or not … but this year, we had a lot of distractions and I just have to change that and concentrate on my strengths, start work on the pre-season program and put the boots back on..."
This view was supported by players interviewed by Cook, who admitted his review came one year too late. "I think the circumstances of the loss to Sydney in the finals last year camouflaged a lot of problems," he said. "We thought we were better than we were."
Thompson's survival is a victory for Costa's authority, given that as recently as a fortnight ago, four board members raised strong doubts about whether the coach should continue. Cook says he anticipated no resignations from the board and that any challenge to Costa now would come from outside.
In a series of moves ratified by the Geelong board early yesterday:
■ Thompson will concentrate purely on day-to-day coaching next season after conceding he had become distracted by extra responsibilities;
■ The Cats will replace assistant Andy Lovell with a new midfield coach, conceding its midfielders had not advanced this season;
■ A further $400,000 will be injected into the football department for a soon-to-be-appointed development coach and a new strength and conditioning chief;
■ The Cats' on-field leadership group has pushed for and will receive a bigger say over trade decisions, list management and day-to-day football decisions, including a revolving position on the match committee;
■ The Cats will advertise for a football operations chief in the mould of Sydney's Andrew Ireland, who would oversee coaching, list management, football budgets and possibly chair the match committee;
■ Football manager Garry Davidson's future at the club could not be guaranteed and would depend on the new football boss, with Steven Hocking a potential candidate;
■ The club would await a review of Geelong's recruiting, being undertaken by AFL executives Tony Peek and Kevin Sheehan, before moving to boost the recruiting department;
■ Costa would fight any challenge to his presidency from former vice-president Denis McMurrich and had the cautious blessing of his family to serve a further three years should he be forced to face an election.
Cook and Costa insisted Thompson would serve the final year of his contract with the unanimous support of the board, despite the previous misgivings of several directors, including Gareth Andrews and Doug Wade. Thompson said he was prepared to withstand the scrutiny of his short-term deal knowing he had not always enjoyed the full confidence of all the Geelong directors.
"I've had a pretty tough year but I think I've handled it pretty well," Thompson said. "I've got a thick hide. If I can survive what I've taken this year, I can survive anything. Whatever comes, I can take it. I'm a man."
McMurrich said he would petition the club to have the board elections held before the end of the year. The club also faces a special general meeting on October 11.
There is a lot to take out of that article and it will be interesting to see how in depth the letter is that is mailed out to the members, but here is my take on things:
Firstly I am not over the moon Thompson will coach on, but I think we all saw this coming with one year left on his contract and I am willing to give him one last shot and it will be interesting to see how things progress this off-season and next year.
I agree with Cook that the Sydney game disguised a lot of problems. I've been saying all year that our 2005 wasn't up to standard and our finals campaign hid a lot of problems. Being 7-3 after 10 rounds we should have been looking at top 4 instead of stumbling into the 8 like we did. In a lot of way 2006 is the same as 2005 but reversed except for not making the finals which is a good thing as it kept the pressure on the hierarchy at the club.
Now for the proposed changes; it is obviously a plus to have Thompson focus on the coaching side of things. I heard Cook interviewed Monday morning on SEN 1116 and he said everyone he talked to thought Thompson was excellent with the coaching side of things and his tactics. Now I don't think his tactics are too flash, but it occurred to me that too often when you win coaching moves/tactics are overlooked yet they are critically reviewed by nearly everyone during a loss so I will try and keep a more open mind this season on Thompson's coaching skills and moves.
The termination or end of Andy Lovell was easily the most predictable thing to come out of the review. Since Cresswell has left the club's midfield has gone backwards under Lovell, end of.
More money into the football department is always a good thing, however the interstate clubs are so far ahead in this department to most Victorian clubs how much difference will $400k actually make?
The 4th dot point I am not so thrilled about. Why should the leadership group have a say in trades & list management etc. It seems at first thoughts to be too easily corrupted by the group to get who they want to play in etc. Maybe they should get some say, I just hope it isn't too heavily weighted.
A Football Operations Chief sounds like the thing to do, to get Thompson back to focussing on coaching. The next point is my favourite. I've been wanting this for so long...DAVIDSON OUT
The club's recruiting certainly needs to be looked at so this is a good move. You just have to compare some of our picks to a side like Sydney's picks recently to see where improvement is needed.
As for the final point about a possible McMurrich challenge, I believe I read he will not challenge the board anymore after the reviews findings, but if he does, why would he bother? He was a part of they Hovey regime that got the club into the financial state that we found ourselves in 1999.
The majority of members it seems are still behind the combination of Costa & Cook and in my opinion rightly so. Without them right now we could be playing all our home games at the Gold Coast or West Sydney. Instead we have a brand new stand and our city still has a football team in the national competition.
Posted by Sammy D at 02:19 PM | Comments (0)
September 25, 2006
Bon Voyage Kent
Bon Voyage Kent.
A sad farewell to 2006 and a sad farewell to Kent Kingsley as the Cats lost to Sandy in the VFL Grand Final. The great man was a powerful presence in the forward arc for the Cats deciding that he had to end his stint at the cattery with a bang; cleaning up a hapless Sandy opponent early in the first, tackling hard in the fourth and kicking lots of goals in between.
The usual slackness was lacking and his accuracy was rejuvenated. Such a disappointing way to end his career. My attempt to get my KKK shirt was foiled by a ban of patrons on the playing arena. I don’t know who did it, but I’ll blame Phil Cleary. He is a wank.
My entourage arrived and took up refuge from the rain but not the wind in the Legends Stand. The crowd was pro Geelong apart from the scattering of Sandy supporters, there were no Melbourne fans as the weather was far too inclement for them.
Bang Bang Bang, as fast as I had downed my 7 dim sims for lunch (which didn’t mix well with the hangover I already had, which didn’t mix well with the 1hr car trip up to the ground) the Cats were 3 goals down. But kicking against a tornado in the first quarter was always going to be tough. Some tough work inside 50 from our departing hero and we were back in it. A huge blunder from Gamble ensured we didn’t come out on top. Dare I say it, but what are the odds of kicking into the man on the mark from 15m out?
Wasted opportunities were the story of the second, and the fact I had forgotten just how much I hate Batchelor. Weak, red headed little bitch. If the Cats put him back on a plane to South Australia this year ill even pay for the ticket!
Two goals down at the main break and a strong third term and the benching of Varcoe and Batchelor were a must for success. However a few brainfades from Grima and a runner meant Sandy could open up a match winning gap.
This prompted the Chant Guy to muster one last ounce of courage and head forward for the Cats to chant them to an unlikely win. Goals from Slade, Ablett, Davenport and Kent saw the unlikely become a possibility, and when Sam Hunt kicked a long bomb, the Cats were 4 points down with 10 minutes left.
The switch of Blake into the ruck and West onto the bench was a stuff up from Tudor. The Cats couldn’t get it out of the middle and Sandra Dee ran out 18 point winners. The rags to riches fairytale wasn’t complete.
Kent Kingsley played his last game for the Cats and now is looking to perth next season, and the cruisy position of West Coast Eagles forward pocket, cant blame him.
The Chant Guy faces an anxious few weeks as his lovechild Matthew Spencer is a possibility for being delisted. He was last seen at the top of the West Gate Bridge eating KFC chicken and holding a brown paper bag. He faces a long summer before warming his voice once more.
Posted by Sammy D at 12:20 AM | Comments (0)
September 19, 2006
The Final Chapter?
There will not be a dry eye in the house on Sunday, nor should there be. Our loyal, strong, angelic leader may well be waddling his way out in the hoops with his socks down and rubbing his hands on green pastures in the number 18 for the last time.
My KKK shirt which has enjoyed many a beer spilt over it, been worn on many a cold winters night and been chased out of Telstra Dome only once will resemble a Kleenex tissue as the Kolonel battles to control with his emotions.
Ever since I saw him make his debut against Carlton on Mother’s Day he has won a place in my heart. Su8nday means it’s time for him to relinquish that role and make may for .. TOMMAHAWK *Jagged electric guitar sounds in the background*
On Sunday, we have a chance to win 66% of the Premierships that were on offer to us at the start of the season, yet our club is in turmoil and our coach looming likely to get the sack. We are hard taskmasters aren’t we? With Nathe just looking a million bucks at the minute and Kent, Koula and Ko. Getting there hands on it, only Matthew Spencer being exposed at fullback could cost us this game against the Zebras.
Tom Hawkins fact number 15: Tom Hawkins is the reason Wally went into hiding.
The only concern with us playing off in a grand final is the reliance of guys like Kingsley, Koulororotitoisosusos (spelling?) Byrne, and guys who haven’t got a real future in the senior team. Stephen Owen and Matthew Spencer don’t have a future in our senior team, but we haven’t been relying on them…
When we won last time, it was the likes of Ablett, Kelly Chapman, Bartel and Johnson that sparked us. Although promising, the current crop of youngsters is a far cry from that list.
Except for Nathe and Thomahawk…
Tom Hawkins fact number 29: Tom Hawkins can believe it’s not butter.
Teams and a full match report to come after the game, boy I have missed writing them. But a sudden rush of work, study and responsibility has seen me not go to a VFL game in a long time.
In breaking news, a KKK shirt may soon appear on EBAY, but there will be links to it all over the place so I can make maximum profit.
I’ll be in the KKK shirt on the weekend so if you aren’t one of those loser people from bigfooty organizing a get together, say Hi or give me a VB. But if you are a hot girl (obviously not attending the bigfooty get together…) don’t say Hi because my girlfriend will beat me. I need some coke zero.
- The Kolonel
Posted by Sammy D at 09:22 AM | Comments (5)
The Next #18?
Posted by Sammy D at 09:17 AM | Comments (1)
September 18, 2006
Cats Into Grand Final
Nathan Ablett came of age yesterday, proving once and for all he is ready for the step up to senior football.Given the interest and hype already surrounding the youngest son of the club's greatest player, it is easy to exagerrate his influence on a VFL match.
But there can be no doubt the 20-year-old, who yesterday kicked four goals in a dominant display from from centre half-forward, proved himself a class above in the Cats' 27-point preliminary final win over Williamstown.
Of his nine marks, of which most were contested, it was one of his first taken leaping high amid three defenders, all trying to punch, that stood out.
He snapped his first major on his left-foot, then nailed set shots from 30, 40 and 50m to cap an extraordinary month-long purple patch with his best game in the hoops.
Coach Leigh Tudor said Ablett's role proved vital as Geelong booked its second VFL Grand Final in five years, kicking five goals in a 10-minute burst midway through the third term to setup victory.
"He's playing AFL-style football,'' Tudor said of his best-on-ground player.
"He's had an outstanding year and his second half he's really come of age with his running and ball-use and his decision-making, everything is going really well.''
In his first known public interview after the match, Ablett thanked vocal Cats' fans for their support and said he enjoyed playing more up the ground, rather than out of the goalsquare.
"I definitely find centre half-forward better, you've got a bit more space and can do a few more things as opposed to full forward you're just leading all the time, so yeah, it was good,'' Ablett said.
"I think my fitness is improving and knowing the game I think that is really probably why I am stepping up, but as I get older I expect myself to learn a bit more and have a bit more of an influence on the game.''
Henry Playfair's shift to centre half-back also proved a masterstroke as the key tall enjoyed a new lease of life repelling many of the Seagulls' forward thrusts, particularly under pressure early in the contest.
The Cats held a narrow one-point lead at the first change and despite quickly scooting out to a 14-point buffer with Ablett on fire up forward, were two points down at the main break.
But Geelong hit its straps in the third term, winning a string of centre clearances in a five-goal blitz to take a 17-point cushion into the final quarter.
Backmen Tim Callan and Will Slade were inspirational in defence, combining to resist the Seagulls' first four forward-50m entries of the fourth term to prevent any chance of a miracle Williamstown comeback.
And when Kent Kingsely kicked his third goal, from a boundary throw-in and then his fourth and final goal from a well-judged mark backing back with the flight, the game was over.
Mathew Stokes, Paul Koulouriotis and captain James Byrne, with 28 touches and a massive15 tackles, fought hard all day in the midfield, while Charlie Gardiner also relished a push up the ground with two goals.
It was a fantastic effort from Nathan yesterday. Defintely the best I've ever seen him play and the interview came as a shock to me. Hopefully it is a sign of some new found confidence, as he has definitely been playing with it yesterday and from what I hear the week before.
It was an excellent effort from the boys. I honestly couldn't pick out a bad player on the day. Our intensity at times was something to behold and I hope the AFL players were there watching.
Overuse of the ball & poor skills were the only negatives, but then again it is the VFL and not the AFL.
I hope everybody that can gets down to MC Labor Park next weekend to support the boys in their quest for some silverware this season, despite it not being the actual one we've been looking for.
Posted by Sammy D at 04:09 PM | Comments (0)
September 14, 2006
Costa Speaks
Thomas' demise of no consequence: Costa
The sacking of St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has not pressured Geelong to take the same path, according to club president Frank Costa.Costa said Thomas' demise after the Saints' early exit from the finals would in no way affect Cats coach Mark Thompson's position, despite Geelong finishing two places outside the final eight.
``We will not be making knee-jerk reactions. If you look at the administration of this football club after the last seven years, we've never made a knee-jerk reaction to the challenges we've found ourselves with, it's always been carefully calculated, assessed and planned,'' he said.
``At the same time we're not going to muck around either, but you look at Denis Pagan who didn't get his team into the finals and he wasn't sacked so what happened (to Thomas) makes no difference to us. Our case is isolated and separate, Mark has another 12 months to go on his contract and we'll assess everything carefully and properly.''
Thomas was shown the door just four days after the Saints' finals campaign ended when they went down to Melbourne in the elimination final last Friday night.
The Saints' shock decision was in stark contrast to the Cats' end of season review, which began almost four weeks ago.
But Costa said he remained confident the process the club had gone through was the right one and expected the review to wind up by the end of the week.
``I'm very happy with it, it has been the correct process, we've thought about it acutely and I'm very pleased it's been handled in a professional manner,'' he said.
``It's a very serious issue for the club to sort out and we've got to make sure that we go forward. It's close to the end, it will be completed by the weekend and we will come out in a transparent way as much as we can with the findings and strategies to let everyone know what is going on and what is going to happen.''
Posted by Sammy D at 02:07 PM | Comments (0)
September 13, 2006
Club Hands Blotto Otto Maximum Fine
The Geelong Football Club has fined forward Brad Ottens $5,000 and will receive education on the trauma caused by drink driving after being caught exceeding .05. The sanction is the maximum allowed under the AFL player code of conduct.Half of the fine will be donated to Road Trauma Support Team, an organization that assists people affected by road trauma in Victoria, and the other half will be donated to the AFL players’ association charity fund.
Ottens met with Geelong chief executive Brian Cook and senior coach Mark Thompson on Monday and he also spoke with the club’s leadership group in determining an appropriate punishment.
“There is no excuse for my actions and it is now up to me to win back the respect that I’ve lost from this incident,” Ottens said.
“I am truly sorry and I understand the impact that drink driving has on people’s lives. In the end it is up to me to prove through my actions that I have learnt from this and to help educate others to not make the mistake that I made.”
Ottens will lose his licence for 11 months and will be fined $450 after being found over the limit at 1am on Saturday.
Personally I think the fact that the maximum fine is only $5000 is a joke but at least the club played hard ball on this issue. Now it is time for them to play hard ball in respect to a few other issues...
Posted by Sammy D at 09:36 PM | Comments (0)
September 12, 2006
Cats To Dip Toe In The Bradshaw Pool Again?
Uncontracted Brisbane Lions star Daniel Bradshaw is in Geelong's sights for next month's trade period.The Lions' leading goal-kicker is yet to re-sign with the club and according to his manager Ron Joseph is on the open market.
Bradshaw enjoyed a career-best season with the Lions having lived much of his football life in the shadows of gun Brisbane forwards Alastair Lynch and Jonathan Brown.
But the 27-year-old came of age this year, booting 59 goals to join the AFL's top 10 goal-kickers.
He also took a club-high 159 marks for the season.
Geelong is rumoured to be interested in snaring the ready-made forward's services.
With out-of-favour and out-of-contract Cats forward Kent Kingsley set to continue his career elsewhere, Bradshaw could add some much-needed fire power to Geelong's forward line.
Small forwards Gary Ablett and Paul Chapman led the Cats' goal-scorers with 35 and 31 goals respectively.
Full forward and ruckman Brad Ottens kicked 26 goals for the year, with a conversion rate of just over 50 per cent.
While Nathan Ablett is being groomed as the Cats' next centre half-forward, the experience and versatility of Bradshaw would give the club another option in front of goals.
It is also believed Bradshaw, who was born in Melbourne and grew up in Wodonga, is open to a move to another club after 11 seasons with Brisbane, who this year finished 13th on the ladder.
Bradshaw would be a good pick up for us, depending on what we have to give up for him, however is there really any chance he will come to us? We've been in for him before and that didn't amount to anything and we have enough trouble attracting players to Geelong as it is.
Posted by Sammy D at 10:30 AM | Comments (3)
September 11, 2006
Semi Final - VFL Cats Vs. North Ballarat
While this game was going on I was one of the 84,000 people watching the Bulldogs absolutely pump the Pies so I'll leave Jay Clark to tell us what went on:
A new wave of exciting young Cats signalled their arrival as players in the VFL team's remarkable six-point semi-final win over North Ballarat yesterday.No less than eight first and second-year draftees played their best game in the hoops in a dramatic comeback from 36 points down in the second quarter.
Midfielders Mathew Stokes, 21, and Brent Prismall, 20, were brilliant, sharing in nearly 70 possessions between them, while Nathan Ablett, 20, starred across half-forward kicking four goals, including three which turned the game just prior to half-time.
But it was maligned forward Kent Kingsley who proved the hero in a heart-stopping-final quarter, kicking two goals from superbly-judged marks in the dying minutes to claim a memorable victory at Port Melbourne.
Down by 12 points with five minutes left, explosive wingman Jason Davenport kicked a 50m gem on the run before Kingsley's two goals, which gave him five for the match, set up a preliminary final showdown against Collingwood affiliate Williamstown at TEAC Oval on Sunday.
Leigh Tudor described the victory as his greatest as VFL coach and paid tribute to his troops, some injured and completely exhausted, for their courageous final-quarter rally.
``It was a great win, I thought it was a brave win, a hard win and win that the players scrounged out themselves,'' Tudor said.
``They proved again today that they want to play, they want to play football for Geelong and I was really happy their sprit is in the right place.''
Tim Callan and Paul Koulouriotis were both inspirational, particularly in the second half when Callan again risked serious injury taking two of the marks of the year flying across the pack.
While Koulouriotis gathered 36 possessions in just three quarters playing with a badly bruised hip and a broken thumb injured five weeks ago.
The Cats looked out of the contest midway through the second term when 18-year-old back-up ruckman Trent West swung the ascendancy Geelong's way.
For the first time in the match, West gave the Cats first use in the middle often through Prismall and Stokes, who together also shared in a massive 26 hard ball gets and 14 clearances.
Ryan Gamble, 18, also had a day out snagging four goals, including the sealer, sparking jubilant scenes in the coaches box and on the field.
Great news. Prismall is a class act, while it sounds like we'll be seeing more of Stokes, Gamble & Ablett next year. I'd include Callan in that but Thompson obviously has a problem with him.
What the hey, I might even watch next week...
Posted by Sammy D at 01:34 PM | Comments (1)
Lonergan Recovering As Otto Gets Blotto
Courageous Cat Tom Lonergan has thanked fans and wellwishers as he recovers in Geelong Hospital after the removal of a kidney.The key defender is on the mend, but it could still be weeks before he leaves hospital.
Lonergan has been told that he has lost a kidney, but whether he plays football again is still to be decided.
Speaking through his manager, Anthony McConville, Lonergan said he was "amazed at the overwhelming support from Geelong Football Club, family, friends and people from right around Australia".
Mr McConville said Lonergan really appreciated the support, which was helping his recovery.
"He's keen to get out of hospital and get on with his life," he said.
Great stuff Tommy, may your recovery continue uninterupted.
Geelong forward Brad Ottens has dealt the embattled Cats another blow by being caught drink-driving.he AFL player recorded a blood-alcohol reading of 0.116, more than double the legal limit, after being pulled over by police for a breath test in Doncaster about 1am yesterday.
The incident has left the club, suffering from a woeful on-field season, coaching crisis and kidney injury to Tom Lonergan, reeling.
Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said the Ottens incident was "unfortunate timing".
"It's extremely disappointing and frustrating. We've had our fair share of problems recently. We haven't had a good year," he said.
"I just wish we could put these things behind us."
Mr Cook said Ottens would face disciplinary action under the AFL Player's Code of Conduct.
He could also lose his licence for 11 months and be fined $450.
Mr Cook said the incident was Ottens' "first strike" since joining the Cats two years ago.
He did not know Ottens had been suspended for a match over drunkenness while at the Tigers in 2000.
"I wasn't aware of that," he said.
"He's been among the more mature players at the club. We expect more of him."
Mr Cook, who was relieved no one was injured by Ottens' mistake, said the player's career was not under threat.
"He's still contracted with us. In my opinion, that's not in jeopardy," he said.
Mr Cook said Ottens had dinner and a few drinks at a hotel in Templestowe with his brother before being stopped for a random breath test on Manningham Rd.
He said Ottens had been taken to the Doncaster police station for further testing and a reading of 0.116 had been recorded.
Mr Cook said Ottens was extremely remorseful.
Stupid, dangerous & totally unprofessional. This is the last thing we need and combined with the Scarlett statement our lack of discipline & leadership at the club is really showing right now. It appears the playing staff are as big a shambles as they are off the field as they are on it.
Posted by Sammy D at 01:17 PM | Comments (0)
September 07, 2006
Scarlett Throws Support Behind Thompson
Scarlett or Cresswell? You decide...
Geelong's leadership group has thrown its weight behind embattled coach Mark Thompson.Matthew Scarlett, the club's full-back and best player, told the Herald Sun last night the overwhelming majority of players wanted Thompson to continue next year.
"He's the only man we want and we need him to coach next year," Scarlett said.
He warned he would quit the club if Thompson was dumped and replaced by Daryn Cresswell, who has been linked to the Cats since the announcement this week of his sudden departure from the Brisbane Lions.
"If Bomber got the arse and Daryn Cresswell came back, I'd be the first one to walk out," Scarlett said. "There's many others who would do the same thing, but I'm not prepared to name names."
Cresswell is a former assistant to Thompson at Geelong.
"We (the leadership group) are sick of all the stuff about not supporting Bomber. It's not true," Scarlett said.
The leadership group comprises Scarlett, Steven King, Cameron Ling, Tom Harley, Joel Corey, Paul Chapman and Cameron Mooney.
Scarlett said the players accepted responsibility for the embarrassing 61-point loss to Hawthorn at Telstra Dome on Sunday.
"It can't be a reflection on the coach," he said. "We played and we should cop the heat. We do need him and hopefully he's here next year."
Thompson's future is in the hands of chief executive Brian Cook, who is reviewing the club's operations for a comprehensive report and recommendation to the board.
Thompson is under contract for one more year, but his stocks were seen to dive on the back of Sunday's dismal effort.
The Cats have missed the final eight after finishing an unlucky fifth in 2005.
They finished 10th with 10 wins and a draw.
Meanwhile if Thompson stays Mackie might leave...
Mackie attracts interest from Port
The departures expected from Skilled Stadium in the coming weeks might begin unexpectedly with Andrew Mackie, the 22-year-old South Australian being courted by Port Adelaide after twice declining a new contract offer from Geelong.Mackie is understood to have attracted interest from both South Australian clubs who are aware that he deferred contract negotiations with Geelong mid-season and as recently as a fortnight ago refused to consider a two-year offer from the Cats.
The financial terms of the contract offered by Geelong to the 2002 first-round draftee are believed to be well below his expectations and a combination of the opportunity to return home, assurances of regular games and the turbulence at Geelong are understood to have Mackie leaning towards a move.
The fact that Port finished 12th this season and therefore holds fifth pick in the pre-season draft is also a factor.
Mackie played 14 games this year for a total of 37 in four seasons, a modest return that is believed to have frustrated the versatile 192-centimetre player who won't negotiate with Geelong until a review of the football department is completed by chief executive Brian Cook. The review, which is likely to be completed by the end of this month, is widely expected to result in a major shake-up in the wake of the team's troubled season and failure to reach the finals."The Geelong offer has been declined at this stage," Mackie's manager Anthony McConville said yesterday.
"The season has come to its end, which is when we indicated we would be happy to start talking again, but I don't think negotiations are likely to begin until the air has cleared down there.
"I think the outcome of the review needs to be seen first, so that Andrew can be certain about what he might or might not be agreeing to."
In other articles I've read but cannot find Kent Kingsley admits that he won't be Geelong player next season if Bomber is around & rumors of David Wojcinski looking to be traded having not signed a new contract.
Posted by Sammy D at 12:07 PM | Comments (0)
September 06, 2006
A Flag Would Be An Anti-Climax
The drooping cheeks and sour expression on Mark Thompson’s face said it all; the season that was ‘meant to be’ ended with quite possibly as yet another Geelong fairytale. It was the season where promise and potential didn’t pass the test. This wasn’t for the first time either. The same thing has happened for 43 years for many who sat around Skilled Stadium to watch us taunt the once untamable Lions in the first game of the season.
Dashing skill, flair and class had turned to arguing, a lack of confidence and utter frustration by round 22, when it was us on the receiving end of a hiding from Hawthorn, the team that put us on the path of failure in round 3.
Yet everyone seems surprised and disappointed, and I cannot understand why. We are living a soap-opera, and adventure if you will, and the worst part of these is always the finish. Opening up the papers, and our wasted year gets more mention than any of the upcoming finals games. Mark Thompson’s shenanigans have attracted nearly as much attention as Bill Clinton’s and one of the best CEO’s in the country has the most unenviable job. He has to sort out the mess.
It makes me think back to when I was just a little tot, and the KKK had an extra K in it for Kindergarten. I was a big fan of Nellie the Elephant. For those unfamiliar to the show, Nellie was a circus Elephant that had to find her way home. It took her ages and ages and ages, but she finally found her beloved herd. Wiping the tears away from my eyes with a hankie that said ‘Wednesday’ despite it being a Monday lasted 30 seconds. Then everything was back to normal.
Once you have reached the summit, it cannot be bettered. You can do it again, but you know what to expect. Geelong winning a flag would be the same thing. We are stuck in a story of mystery, frustration and longing, craving a premiership. It would be nice, but when its finished, I’ll run down the street naked in blue and white but by the next day be pissed off with all the band-wagoners who are celebrating like they have been put through as much pain and agony as myself.
So don’t be upset my friends. Backpage headings about a coaches future and a player riff bring much excitement and make the burning desire for success even greater. Maybe one day the soapie will end, and I can finally prance down my court naked without Police intervention. I mean… and we can all celebrate.
- The Kolonel
Posted by Sammy D at 03:30 PM | Comments (2)
September 05, 2006
Cresswell Coming Back To Be Top Cat?
Cresswell wants senior postBrisbane Lions assistant coach Daryn Cresswell has resigned from the club to further explore senior coaching opportunities in Victoria.
According to a press statement released by the Lions on Tuesday, Cresswell leaves on good terms after two years working with the club's midfielders and forwards.
"I have enjoyed my time in Brisbane a great deal and I have learnt some valuable coaching lessons along the way working with Leigh Matthews and the other members of the coaching staff," Cresswell said.
"I have never made any secret of the fact that I have aspirations to hold a senior coaching position and as part of my ongoing personal development, I feel the time is right to take another step forward in that direction."
Cresswell, 35, played 244 games with the Sydney Swans before becoming an assistant coach at Geelong where he worked closely with the Cats' midfield group, then on to Brisbane.
"'Cressa' has been an integral part of our football operation and everyone at the club wishes him and his family the very best for the future," Lions football manager Graeme Allan said.
A few stories circulating on this at the moment. Firstly the gossip is that Cresswell didn't resign as such, but more so pushed to make way room for Justin Leppitsch.
Secondly where we he go? The two senior spots that would possibly come available seem to be ours & Carlton's. Why would Cresswell go to Carlton? But why would Cresswell come back to Geelong if his reason for leaving in the first place is true?
Stay tuned folks, a lot of Geelong fans may get their wish soon...
Posted by Sammy D at 10:00 PM | Comments (0)
Geelongblog.com Player of The Year
It was a sad, miserable season but we will try and end it on a high note; the most respected award in football along with the Ross Glendenning Medal, The Geelongblog.com Player of the Year award!
Third Place
Jimmy "Hi Fi" Bartel
Total Votes: 33
Rnd. 1 Vs. Brisbane - 5
Rnd. 3 Vs. Hawthorn - 2
Rnd. 6 Vs. Melbourne - 3
Rnd. 9 Vs. Richmond - 4
Rnd. 10 Vs. West Coast - 2
Rnd. 11 Vs. Essendon - 1
Rnd. 15 Vs. Port Power - 3
Rnd. 17 Vs. Kangaroos - 4
Rnd. 18 Vs. Brisbane - 4
Rnd. 21 Vs. Melbourne - 5
*DNP Round 19
Second Place
Garry "Gazju" Ablett
Total Votes: 37
Rnd. 1 Vs. Brisbane - 2
Rnd. 2 Vs. Kangaroos - 1
Rnd. 4 Vs. Western Bulldogs - 5
Rnd. 5 Vs. Sydney - 4
Rnd. 6 Vs. Melbourne - 4
Rnd. 9 Vs. Richmond - 5
Rnd. 11 Vs. Essendon - 4
Rnd. 12 Vs. Fremantle - 5
Rnd. 14 Vs. Carlton - 2
Rnd. 21 Vs. Melbourne - 1
Rnd. 22 Vs. Hawthorn - 4
*DNP Round 18
Geelongblog.com Player of The Year
Paul "Happy" Chapman
Total Votes: 40
Rnd. 1 Vs. Brisbane - 3
Rnd. 4 Vs. Western Bulldogs - 3
Rnd. 5 Vs. Sydney - 3
Rnd. 6 Vs. Melbourne - 5
Rnd. 7 Vs. St Kilda - 5
Rnd. 11 Vs. Essendon - 5
Rnd. 13 Vs. Adelaide - 2
Rnd. 16 Vs. Western Bulldogs - 4
Rnd. 17 Vs. Kangaroos - 2
Rnd. 18 Vs. Brisbane - 2
Rnd. 20 Vs. Sydney - 1
Rnd. 22 Vs. Hawthorn - 5
Final Standings
1. Paul Chapman - 40
2. Gary Ablett - 37
3. Jimmy Bartel - 33
4. Joel Corey - 28
5. Darren Milburn - 24
6. Cameron Mooney - 21
7. Jarad Rooke - 20
8. Brad Ottens- 19
9. Cameron Ling - 17
10. Corey Enright- 15
11. Josh Hunt - 9
11. Matthew Scarlett - 9
13. Steve Johnson - 7
14. David Wojcinski - 6
15. Andrew Mackie - 5
15. Kent Kingsley - 5
17. Brent Prismall - 4
17. Matthew Stokes - 4
17. Shannon Byrnes - 4
17. Steven King - 4
17. Tom Harley - 4
Did Not Poll - Nathan Ablett, Mark Blake, Tim Callan, Matthew Egan, Ryan Gamble, Charlie Gardiner, David Johnson, James Kelly, Paul Koulouriotis, Tom Lonergan, Matthew McCarthy, Henry Playfair, Peter Riccardi, Will Slade, Matthew Spencer & Kane Tenace.
Other Awards
The Danny O'Brien Award for Most Outstanding Young Talent: Brent Prismall
The Stephen Hooper Award for The Biggest Flop: James Kelly
Hall of Fame
Geelongblog.com Player of The Year:
2005 - Cameron Ling
2006 - Paul Chapman
The Danny O'Brien Award for Most Outstanding Young Talent:
2005 - Matthew Egan
2006 - Brent Prismall
The Stephen Hooper Award for The Biggest Flop:
2005 - Charlie Gardiner
2006 - James Kelly
Posted by Sammy D at 09:16 PM | Comments (0)
Thank God That's Over
That was simply painful to watch. We have been absolutely slaughtered by Hawthorn twice this season. Yes people, this is Hawthorn, a side who finished the season below us with 9 wins. What is worse is that they absolutely deserved to too as they played us off the park.
The onfield leadership problem is getting worse week after week whether King is on the park or not. Lack of guidance, lack of enthusiam, lack of direction, lack of teamwork & finger pointing everywhere.
Our skills were woeful from the first minute of the match to the final siren. It was an absolute disgrace. So let's talk about the future:
Nathan Ablett - Had a pretty solid game for the second week in a row now. Needs either some major confidence or some selfishness in him because he keeps passing off the ball from 40-50m out from goal, but what do I expect when he has been watching H & Kingsley for a couple of seasons. Wish he attacked the ball harder & stronger but surprisingly finds himself getting space between him & his opponent on the lead.
Brent Prismall - Love this kid. Carries the ball and has good skills by foot. As my mate cynically said "Get out now Pris".
Ryan Gamble - Spent his fair share on the bench on his debut. Which was definitely puzzling considering he was on the bench when we were getting thumped in last quarter. Just give the kid minutes Bomber/Mr. X. Did some nice things early setting up a couple of scoring opportunities then seemed to be stuck in the goalsquare against numerous opponents for the remainder of his game time, which was pointless.
HAWTHORN: 7.1, 11.2, 15.4, 21.7 (133)
GEELONG: 2.2, 6.4, 7.8, 10.12 (72)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Williams 8, Crawford 3, Sewell 2, Frankiln 2, Roughead 2, Guerra, McGlynn, Dixon, Barker
Geelong: Enright 2, Chapman 2, Johnson 2, N.Ablett, Prismall, Scarlett, G.Ablett.
INJURIES: Hawthorn: Croad (AC joint)
Geelong: Harley (hamstring), Gamble (elbow), Rooke (head)
CHANGES:
Hawthorn: Bailey replaced in the selected side by McGlynn
Geelong: nil
REPORTS: Crawford (Hawthorn) reported for abusive language
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Rosebury, Woodcock
CROWD: 28,188 at Telstra Dome
Geelongblog.com Player of The Year
5. Paul Chapman
4. Gary Ablett
3. Brent Prismall
2. Corey Enright
1. Joel Corey
One positive to come out of Sundays pitiful performance is the blowtorch is still placed well and truely on the football department. A good win on Sunday might have influenced Cook for the worse in the long term, instead it is still all there to be seen. They have nowhere to hide, no excuses...
That and the fact we get pick #7 instead of pick #8.
Posted by Sammy D at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)
September 04, 2006
VFL Cats Go Down But Have Second Chance
I watched this game for a few minutes, but was hungover and really really hate Phil Cleary and if I heard him shit on about Sauntner anymore or how we had 'x' of AFL players more than them I was going to puke so here is a report somebody that isn't me wrote:
Cats down in first VFL finalGeelong’s VFL finals campaign has kicked off with a 21 point loss to Sandringham at Port Melbourne on Saturday.
In a contest that was tight all day, Sandringham was able to extend its lead at each change to progress directly to the preliminary final. The Cats will face the winner of the North Ballarat – Werribee clash in a knock out semi final next week.
Kent Kingsley booted four goals for Geelong while Henry Playfair, Charlie Gardiner and Jay Cheep each added two.
Sandringham led by six points at quarter time, 13 at half time and 19 at three quarter time before claiming the win.
The third quarter was tight throughout, with the Cats closing to within one point, however two goals deep in time on saw the Zebras move to what was ultimately a match winning edge.
Sandringham: 20.16 (136)
Geelong: 17.13 (115)Goals: Kingsley 4, Gardiner, Playfair, Cheep 2, Blake, Varcoe, McCarthy, Stokes, Byrne, Cook, Tenace 1.
Geelong play North Ballarat @ TEAC Oval on Sunday 1:10pm
Posted by Sammy D at 06:53 PM | Comments (0)