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March 30, 2007

Round 1 – Western Bulldogs v Geelong

Telstra Dome
Sunday 1 April, 2:10pm

Teams:

Western Bulldogs
B: McMahon Hargrave Morris
HB: Gilbee Wight Griffen
C: Eagleton West Ray
HF: Giansiracusa McDougall Akermanis
F: Murphy Darcy Johnson
FOLL: Minson Cross Rover: Cooney
INTER: From: Addison Boyd Higgins Montgomery Power Robbins Street
NEW: Jason Akermanis, 30, Brisbane Lions; Andrew McDougall, 23, West Coast

Geelong
B: Harley Scarlett Enright
HB: D Johnson Egan Milburn
C: Wojcinski Bartel Mackie
HF: Chapman Mooney Byrnes
F: Gardiner Ottens G Ablett
FOLL: Blake Corey Rover: Ling
INTER: From: N Ablett Selwood Prismall Hunt Playfair Tenace Djerrkura
NEW: Nathan Djerrkura, 18, Wanderers (NT); Joel Selwood, 18, Bendigo U18
An aggregate of 2 points separated these two sides in their encounters last season, with the winner alternating between occasions.

This new season brings renewed hope for both teams. The Bulldogs, after impressing observers last season with their free-flowing, running and attacking style, will be looking to take up where they left off. While Geelong, after a bitterly disappointing 2006, will be looking to kick start 2007 with a win against quality opposition.

On the injury front, both sides have their worries. For Geelong, former skipper Steven King will miss with yet another calf injury. Max Rooke was not considered after missing just about all of the preseason with hamstring strains. And while new captain, Tom Harley, has been named in the side, his contribution to the game must surely be under a cloud after missing the past few weeks with a mysterious leg injury. The Bulldogs will be missing club stalwart Chris Grant which will create a height headache for what might not be the first occasion this year. With Brian Harris already on the sidelines due to suspension, the Dogs will need to innovate to combat the likes of Ottens, Mooney and Nathan Ablett.

Tactically, while at face value these sides are quite different in approach, they also have their similarities. Specifically, the running and attacking style of game that the Bulldogs so effectively deployed last season is just what Mark Thompson would like to see his side do more of in 2007. The injection of youth in Prismall, Selwood and Djerrkura is aimed at just that cause. But the key difference between the teams is the way that they create scoring opportunities. While the mosquito fleet of the Bulldogs will run the ball inside the forward 50 and attempt to hit team mates on leads with regularity, Geelong relies heavily on its three-pronged attack taking contested marks and providing opportunities for Gary Ablett and Chapman on the deck.

Therein lies the key to the outcome of this game. The team that can impose and successfully employ their game style will likely walk away with the four points. So the battle will be won in the midfield. The Bulldogs must win this area of the game if they are to hold Geelong’s scoring power.

Cameron Ling will once again battle Scott West. He will be looking for a repeat of his last encounter where he held West to just 18 possessions. David Johnson will look to continue his good record against Akermanis.

One of Griffin or Morris is likely to get the job on the dangerous Gary Ablett who has been impressive in recent encounters with the Bulldogs, having averaged 22 possessions, 9 marks and over 2 goals per game in his last five outings.

The style of game that the Bulldogs employ brings flank and pocket players further up the ground as running players. Geelong’s half forwards and pockets must be awake to this tactic and will need to find their opponents quickly upon turnovers in Geelong’s forward line. Chapman and Gary Ablett are excellent tacklers but will also need to be prepared to chase hard out of their forward zone. Similarly, although Ottens, Mooney and Nathan Ablett will enjoy height advantages, they must not allow themselves to be found flat footed when the ball hits the deck. One way around this risk, clearly, is to hold their marks.

Geelong will look to negate the effect of Brad Johnson in the Bulldogs’ forward line. Johnson kicked 5 last time these two sides met, predominantly on Tom Harley. It’s likely that the Cats will take no chances with the smiling assassin this time around, putting premier defender Matthew Scarlett in his pocket.

On paper, the Bulldogs look slightly undermanned and under prepared. Add Grant and Harris to that side and it looks far more like a top four unit. The addition to their side of Darcy and Murphy – both returning from ACL injuries – will hamper their normal fluidity, mobility and speed.

Geelong on the other hand, will be super hungry and is close to full strength and looks to have a side that can test the Bulldogs.

Geelong by 10 points

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March 29, 2007

Outlook 2007 - Part 2: The Positive

Let me start by saying I hope, but cannot be sure, that the positives can outweigh the negatives in 2007.

The broad reason why I think we have reason to be positive about 2007 is that I can’t see how things could go worse than they did last season. With that as the starting point, 2007 can only be better.

But there are a few specific reasons why I think we are more likely to play finals football this season.

The Review

The review conducted by Brian Cook at the end of last season was probably the most comprehensive of its kind ever undertaken by the club and, probably, by any club in the AFL.

The outcome of the review, as I read it, was to set about addressing a number of issues, but primarily the supporting roles to the senior coach and the fitness of the team.

And credit where credit’s due. The club recognised it had problems and did what it had to do – a thorough review – to reveal what needed to be addressed.

While the review did not result in the removal of one of my big “negatives” for 2007 – Mark Thompson – I must concede that Brian Cook has the runs on the board in terms of football administration and without having the information that he has at his fingertips, we must put our faith in him once again.

I’ve got no doubt that the outcome of the review will be positive. While, I question whether it went far enough, there’s no doubt that we can look forward to Geelong being a better team in 2007 because of it.

The Forward Structure

In 2007, we can expect to see a lot more of a forward structure comprising Cameron Mooney at centre half forward and Brad Ottens in the goalsquare. It is a combination that you can build a forward line around. Last season, Mooney was suspended far too many times and at the very least, he must reign in that aggression this season. Ottens played 22 games last year but many of those were in the ruck in Steven King’s absence and even then, it was clearly evident that Ottens was not running on a full tank. This year will be different. It must be different if we are to play a part in September.

Mark Blake must play to allow Ottens to play forward. He must play whether Steven King is in the side or not. He must play on the best ruckman in the league and he must learn from them. Not only will this benefit us in the ruck, but it will benefit us in the forward line.

The remaining forward line positions are much more easily filled. The Abletts, Chapman, Steve Johnson (post-exile) make up the best forward six. The likes of Mackie, Varcoe, Gamble, Gardiner, Byrnes and Stokes will also be in the rotation, depending on form and the opposition of the day.

List development and structure

Geelong is still a relatively young team, having the 6th youngest list and the 4th least experienced by average games played. Geelong’s is the only list in the AFL not to have a player with more than 200 games experience (Milburn leads the way with 188).

The good news is that we are in a strong position in terms of players who have played between 100 and 200 games. We have 11 which ranks equal 3rd in the league. Those eleven – Milburn, King, Ottens, Scarlett, Harley, Ling, Corey, Mooney, Chapman, Enright, and Gary Ablett – must form the core of Geelong’s team for the next five years. Looking at the names on that list, there is no doubt in their potential to be that core.

But to have the core of a Premiership team is one thing. To have the remaining group of 10-15 players who will complete the jigsaw is another. This season, we must see this group of players step up to the plate. Bartel and Rooke have made the transition already. Egan has just about done so too. For Wojcinski, Kelly, Josh Hunt, the Johnsons, Tenace, Mackie, Nathan Ablett and Prismall the time to grab the opportunity is now. If they do not, we can expect another year (and more years) of misery.

But I think the signs are good.

Wojcinski is back to his pre-ACL form. Dashing, attacking and long kicking. One of the few we have in this mould.

Tenace has shown pre-season signs of what his junior career promised. A change of role in a move to half back combined with a fitter and stronger body will give him the confidence to play at this level.

Mackie showed last season that it’s time to stop asking him to grow into a key position prospect. His lean frame lends itself more to a tall midfielder role. He reads the play well and more often than not uses the ball well. Another who will make it if he chooses.

Nathan Ablett must play senior games like he played the 2006 VFL finals series – leading up through half forward demanding the ball from his opponents. The time for a cotton-wool padded forward pocket for him must end.

Prismall, although not Daniel Kerr-quick, moves well across the ground and carries the ball. Best of all, and in contrast to many other Geelong players, he is composed and he uses the ball to the advantage of his teammates.

Finally, the new crop of players should inject class and enthusiasm to the group. Hawkins, Selwood and Djerrkura should be decade players for this club. They are ready for AFL football and will create added pressure on established players to perform.

So there it is. Reasons to be positive. Reasons to believe that last season was an aberration. Reasons to get along to the footy and scream your lungs out for this club. I know I will be.

Posted by catempire at 04:54 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 28, 2007

Right Here , Right Now.

I can remember sitting there in the 92 GF , it was the start of the game and I was as tight as unoiled hinge. I’d missed on the tickets to the 89 and in 92 it was my time as much as it was our time… or so I thought. I still visualise the first couple of minutes with Gary senior , up the Punt Rd end , charging into the pocket giving out a bit of beef to Don Pike , just as Gary could. He him hit hard , Pike was on the grass quicker than a Combie full of hippies and I was ecstatic. “That’s its Gary , 17 to go”, I screamed . Reports? Who cares about reports, its all about “Right here Right Now” and “There is no Tomorrow”.

The reminiscence of a tortured supporter. Tortured?. Yes because no matter what anyone says we had a list good enough to be the side of nineties and we blew it. The year 1989 was supposed be the start of our new era , sure we could have done with a better key backman but really we had a side good enough. To have the players we had , to reach the last game so often and not get one was not just disappointing to me , in was like Summer Sun to fair skin , it was carcinogenic. The most overused , meaningless statement by people who just don’t get it is ‘Its only a game”. A game? It changes you when your deprived ultimate satisfaction, it effects the way you see life. I talk with a Dons supporter at work , he hates Sheedy , says he wasted the side they had and they should have won more. Man , talk about a different level of expectation. Is there a Geelong supporter alive that wouldn’t have be happy with what Essendon won since Sheedy’s has been there?

Anyway , here we are today. We have built a very nice group , yet again. Really if we can maximise our talent I think we should be able to match it with most teams on most days. No Gary Ablett Snr but some very good players , some very handy players but is that enough? Are we really strong enough? While we have built our list others have also been building theirs , positioning themselves for a run at a flag. West coast has already got one with their current group and their side is hardly old. StKilda have also a group that one suspects must be cheery to go all the way if the can only just stay fit. What about Fremantle? With the players they have had a chance to pick they should be the strongest side in the league. Are the Bullies there now? Nice blend of old and young and such talented young stars. All these teams probably fancy themselves as having the group to do it right here, right now , but somebody is going to be disappointed cause they cant all get the cup.

Time stands still for no one and very quickly a teams structure changes . Players get hurt , they lose their edge , they get old and before long they’re on the slide. Look down the road a bit , Hawthorn have maximised the use of the old Priority picks and the brainless trades of the Roos. Richmond are a very young Bulldogs type side probably needing a couple more bad years. Both Essendon and Carlton added a lot of quality last year and are probably thinking they are due cause they haven’t won a flag in the last couple of years.

So without any doubt the group down GFC are under pressure. No surprise. Time is ticking and its close to the deadline for some key people at Catland. Costa has announced its his last year either way , Bomber is teetering and we all know Cook could walk into his choice of jobs. The time has arrived. Its right here , right now for us. No more 5 year plans, no more end of year reviews, no more “more experience required” , no more “grooming the kids in the new game plan” , no coaching blunders and tactical errors, no more poor preparation , no more infighting. The question is.. are we at the end of the beginning or the beginning of the end for this Catland group. I hope this group can live upto to our best expectations because if not , there will be blood on the grass , in the board room , in the coaches box and everywhere else at years end .

Posted by Turbocat at 08:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 27, 2007

Outlook 2007 - Part 1: The Negative

I set out to prepare a piece on the outlook for the Cats in 2007 but quickly realised that providing any meaningful prediction was going to be an impossible task. The inconsistency that Geelong has regrettably become known for in recent years, combined with the multitude of football-god factors that could go either way, made me think that breaking things down into the negatives and the positives would be a much easier task than trying to forecast our fortunes using a balance of probabilities.

So here goes, starting with the negatives – the things that could hold us back from taking the next step in 2007...

Mark Thompson

It may be unfair to place this bloke squarely in the negative column, but I consider that more signs than not point this way.

For me, the biggest question mark over Thompson is his ability to cope with the strategic requirements of being an AFL coach.

I can only ever recall his public statements reflecting a single approach to his sides game – move the ball quickly and take chances to give your forwards the best opportunity in contested situations. I remember him saying this as early as 2003 and as recently as in the last few weeks. Now, this isn't to say that his ideas are limited to the above, but to have one coach in charge for seven seasons and still espousing the same broad gameplan, worries me significantly. Especially so, given the changes that the sport seems to have undergone in recent seasons.

But my concern isn't just limited to his overarching approach. Thompson seems to struggle when faced with game day situations where things aren't quite gong his way. For example, when the opposition is getting on top and seems to be exploiting personnel or strategic weakness, Bomber doesn't seem to have the ability to alter his approach to stem the tide.

I dearly hope to be proven wrong about Bomber.

Personnel

Realistically, the best 22 in 2007 is the same or very close to the way it was in 2006.

No trades were made during trade week and no real ready-made players were drafted. While Hawkins, Selwood and Djerrkura may play their fair share of games, it would be foolish to think that they can be the difference between cellar-dwelling and contending in 2007.

There were no significant long-term injuries in 2006. King and Harley are key players and both missed too many games, but only blind faith would lead one to the conclusion that 2007 will be any different in this regard.

Mooney missed five games through suspension and if the Cats are to have any say in the September action he will surely have to curb or significantly redirect his aggression. However, recent interviews with the Hairy One don't have me brimming with confidence that he is a reformed character.

Mooney moves up Cats' chain of command

Ahead of tonight's game, Mooney was quick to dismiss "the stupid little things" that caused him to miss five matches last year.

"We've talked about it, dealt with it and that's in the past now," he said.

"I'll definitely be judged at the end of the year how I go ... but personally I don't think it (last year) is an issue now."

Nor does he plan to change the way he goes about his football - apart from some obvious tinkering to help steer clear of the tribunal.

"I've sat down and talked to a couple of people about it but it's not so much about changing my game ... I'll definitely be working on it but I won't be changing my game much."

All in all, you would have to say that any improvement in ladder position in 2007 must come from within. That means players like Mackie, Kelly and Tenace must come good on the faith that has been displayed in them. Time will tell whether or not they have it in them.

On-field leadership

While this has supposedly been an are of major address over summer, there surely must remain significant doubt over whether this issue – such a significant issue – has been put to bed. One injury prone captain has been replaced with another (Harley). The Vice Captain (Ling) is a one-dimensional, non-damaging and not exactly inspiring type of player. And the Deputy Vice Captain is a player who holds the league record for the most suspension in a season (Mooney).

Harley has said all of the right things during the pre-season. He's eloquent, articulate and positive. But it is on the field where the Cats have so much lacked the presence of a strong leader. Someone who could mould, direct and influence the players around him. A leader who would stop the rot when things weren't going right. There must be a significant question mark over whether Harley's body will allow him to do these things.

I question whether Harley's deputies – Ling and Mooney – have what it takes (in ability and mindset respectively) to provide the support that any captain needs. I hope to be proved wrong, but at the moment, the signs aren't great.

Hopefully, the next wave of young players – Selwood, Hawkins and Djerrkura will possess more of the natural leader abilities than our present crop of players. But even if they do, we're a way off seeing the benefits of those talents.

So that's it. Pretty depressing, hey? If you think so, stay tuned for Part II of the Season Preview - “The Positive”...

Posted by catempire at 09:43 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 22, 2007

Cats win "friendly"

NAB Challenge: Mooney answers coach's call

Cameron Mooney responded to coach Mark Thompson's call for a big second half as Geelong downed Melbourne by 25 points in their final NAB Challenge match at Skilled Stadium today.

The opening half was a forgettable affair, with only five goals kicked as players from both sides struggled in the swirling wind.

But the Cats looked much better in the final two quarters, with Mooney marking strongly and booting four goals in the 11.13 (79) to 7.12 (54) victory.

Jared Rivers had done a good job containing Mooney in the first half, but was then rested after complaining of soreness.

The Cats were also well served by midfielders Jimmy Bartel and David Wojcinski, while Andrew Mackie was impressive playing the unfamiliar role of a key defender opposed to Russell Robertson.

Geelong's only injury concern was a corked calf to ruckman Steven King.

"I think (Mackie) was the best thing out of the day," said Thompson. "We said, ‘let's put him on a taller player’.

"We've experimented with him down back this year on medium-sized players so we thought if we get in a jam let's see if he can play on a tall forward. On today's efforts we might give it another go."

After missing a couple of shots for goal in the second quarter, Mooney was able to step up after the long break to be the most effective forward on the ground.

“He didn't play that well early but still got opportunities and in the second half we asked for a bit of a lift and for him to help shape the forward line," said Thompson.

"We were doing all this good work getting it in for him, (we wanted him) to really try and play a good second half and he did."

Melbourne was undermanned after the late withdrawals of Byron Pickett, Cameron Bruce and Nathan Carroll.

Geelong skipper Tom Harley, Gary Ablett and James Kelly were also absentees, although all are expected back for the round one clash with the Western Bulldogs.

GEELONG 2.5 3.10 7.13 11.13 (79)
MELBOURNE 0.2 2.7 6.8 7.12 (54)

Goals: Geelong: C Mooney 4 C Gardiner 2 N Ablett 2 N Djerrkura K Tenace D Wojcinski. Melbourne: R Robertson 3 D Neitz 2 B Miller M Jamar.

Best: Geelong: J Bartel C Mooney D Milburn D Wojcinski M Scarlett M Egan. Melbourne: T Johnstone D Ward N Jones M Whelan.

Umpires: M Nicholls M Head B Allen.
Official Crowd: Approx 2,500 at Skilled Stadium.
Injuries: Geelong: S King (corked calf). Melbourne: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

Posted by Sammy D at 12:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 21, 2007

The Money Game (part2)

We have seen the VFL grow into the AFL , we have seen the expansion of the game in the media and its growth into foreign territory. We have seen the growth of TV dollars and seen sponsors also commit huge amounts. Consequently , the clubs have increased their turnover seeing enormous amounts spent in the running of each of the clubs.Although still a game , there is no doubt its also an industry and the clubs have become huge organizations. The game has several key factors and one of the most important to this structure is the players. Without the players and their elite talent there is no elite game .They are the stars, they are the interest and they are the face of the game and its only just that they get their fair share.

The money the players get now is significant. Its all in proportion to what abounds in the game but there is no doubt they can access money well in excess of the average mans earning capacity. The money that’s available , the sums that must be spent on players, allows them to live the life of the envied and it gives them a chance to setup their future. With care one would think that most should be able to secure more than a tidy sum from the game, if not extreme wealth then least enough to make a comfortable life.

Obviously not all reach the extremes of success but even if you get nothing but a house from footy then they are well ahead of the average smucks who spend decades paying off their little 3Br shacks. Then there is of course the players at the shape end , those that are lucky enough to be better than just a good average footballers . These elite athletes probably had the choice of several sports to attempt to make their profession ,and if they are marketable, then they would considered the full package or the Fully Monty. For these lucky few, its like they have been blessed by the angels and they are given a chance to live like heaven has arrived early. So much talent , so much confidence and the flow on , so much social life. Is it any wonder they might start to get delusions of grandeur.

Fate however has a funny way of keeping things in balance because along with every yin there is a yang , with every plus there is a minus and with every pro there is a con.Sure they can buy a house with a years wage and have truck load of options available to them during and after football but along with this goes a fair few sour dough counterweights. Along with being a mainstream sportsman goes the creation of a public persona which for some becomes the paranoia of fame. A mind game that can make some question every new acquittance about their true motives. Its can create a public nakedness that means it’s a chore just to go out , a loss of one’s self and the feeling of being under siege. Even the huge earning power can bring its own problem. It may encourage introspective questions about one’s own true worth and it can create a distorted view of a dollar in kids straight from school.

All these problems are hard but probably nothing is as hard as the temptation of power. Nothing corrupts like power they say , imagine a world where there is not a no to be seen, not a denial in sight Imagine a world where right is right and wrong is right and sycophants surround your every step . It would be a virtual reality world of no perceived limits, with only ones own inhibitions , to prevent the extent of extremity.

Over the last couple of years there has been some amazing headlines. Players accused of rape, players involved in gambling , players involved with criminal elements and currently players involved with drugs. Some think it a tragedy , some think it sad but I cant say I feel like that. Perhaps. I’m harsh but I really do struggle to feel sympathy for the demise of the current player/s in the gun. The way I see it is they have a huge advantage over most in the community and have not treasured the rarity of adavantage. I don’t deny any player his money or his position but I think they should also be truly aware and cherish the position they hold , especially when we are hardly talking about fresh faced youth.

Lets all hope that all those at KP are currently taking extreme attention and learning from others mistakes.Far better to learn from others the consequences before becoming too familiar with the causes.

Posted by Turbocat at 08:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 16, 2007

Read to pull on VFL hoops

Phil Read is tackled by Sydney's Amon Buchanan

Read a Cats Rover

Rolling waves and a new football challenge have lured former Melbourne and West Coast midfielder Phil Read to Geelong.

Read, a keen surfer, signed with Geelong's VFL team this week after he was delisted by the Demons at the end of last season.

The 27-year-old, who was best on ground for Melbourne's affiliate club Sandringham in last year's VFL grand final win over Geelong, has started training with the Cats, but will miss up to 12 matches during this season due to suspension and work commitments.

Read was rubbed out for four weeks for striking Geelong's Mathew Stokes in the VFL grand final and will also travel overseas mid-year for an eight-week work commitment.

But the Cats were still desperate to entice the hard-running rover to the club to add much-needed experience to their young VFL list.

``He is just about the perfect player for our VFL system,'' coach Leigh Tudor said.

``We have got a lot of younger on our AFL list, so we need a couple of players like James Byrne and Phil Read who have played a little bit of footy and can handle the knocks and lead the way with the strength stuff.

``We got hold of him through Cameron Ling. They have got some mutual surf buddies and at the end of the year when Phil was delisted from Melbourne we thought we should give him a ring.

``It just worked out from there that our system was what he was looking for so we're really excited to get him.''

Read said he had been undecided whether he would play this season due to his overseas work placement.

``But I spoke to Leigh Tudor and he convinced me that any involvement in the club would be awesome for them,'' Read said.

``I just love Geelong and love Torquay and have mates that live down there, so it all kind of fit in for me.

``They have such a good young squad down there so hopefully guys like James Byrne and I can help them out a fair bit around the packs and give them some confidence.''

Read said he had walked away from AFL football very proud of what he had achieved both with the Eagles and the Demons.

``The AFL journey has given me a huge head start in life,'' he said. ``I really enjoyed my first three years at West Coast where I stepped straight into the side and played every game for three years with the Wooshas (John Worsfold) and Blueys (Guy McKenna) and all those great players. That was probably the highlight of my career.''

But after he was overlooked by Melbourne's selectors following six best on grounds in a row for Sandringham last season, he knew that his journey was coming to an end.

``Melbourne was always very supportive of me and they decided to go with their young kids who really stepped up last year and that sits fine with me.''

The Cats will play the Northern Bullants in a six-quarter match starting at 9.45am on Saturday as a curtain raiser to the AFL practice match between Geelong and Melbourne.

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March 15, 2007

Reynolds season over, ruptures ACL.

Reynolds out after ACL rupture

Joel Reynolds' hopes of resurrecting his AFL career at Geelong now appear in jeopardy after the Cats confirmed on Tuesday that the former Essendon player would miss the entire 2007 season.

Reynolds, who was dropped by Essendon at the end of last season after 38 games in five years, suffered a serious knee injury while playing in the Cats reserve team in a VFL practice match on Sunday.

Scans have revealed the 22-year-old suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, automatically ruling him out for this year.

Reynolds will have surgery on Saturday with the injury coming at the worst possible time for him as he looked to make the most of his second chance at the Cats.

Originally from Geelong, Reynolds was drafted by the Bombers at pick 27 in the 2002 national draft but struggled to get a regular game at the club where his grandfather Dick Reynolds was arguably the club's greatest-ever figure.

He was given a second chance by the Cats at last year's rookie draft after training with the club over the summer, but now has no chance to force his way onto the senior list in 2007.

“Joel was able to have a full preseason for almost the first time in his career, and he was playing and training well for us,” Geelong’s general manager of football operations Neil Balme said.

“This is devastating for Joel and we share his disappointment.”

Such a cruel blow to Joel Reynolds who had played pretty well in pre-season. Now his AFL career is in tatters as it will be very hard to come back from this injury when he was a mature player on our rookie list. We wish him all the best for his recovery and hope that he makes it back in the blue & white hoops.

Posted by Sammy D at 12:02 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Kelly to miss start of season

First Stokes, now James Kelly...

Kelly accepts penalty

Geelong midfielder James Kelly will miss the start of the 2007 AFL season after accepting the penalty handed down by the match review committee.

Kelly accepted a two-match sanction for engaging in rough conduct with Brisbane Lions defender Jed Adcock during last Friday night's NAB Cup semi-final at Telstra Dome.

The penalty is a significant setback for Kelly who had set himself for a big 2007 in the Cats' midfield after a disappointing 2006 during which he struggled for form and consistency.

Kelly will be unavailable for matches against the Western Bulldogs and Carlton.

This is definitely not the start of the season the club, Mark Thompson or James Kelly were looking for.

After a disappointing 2006 the club were definitely hoping for a strong start to the season enabling them to push on and put finals within reach early. Now with Kelly & Stokes out of the first two matches (Stokes will also miss the 3rd game of the season) this puts us behind the eight ball as they are both important midfielders in our rotation.

This has a knock on effect in regards to Bomber Thompson. An unsuccessful season will no doubt see him out the door at the end of the season and he will not be happy losing Kelly on top of Stokes for the beginning of our tilt.

Lastly to James Kelly. Kelly has struggled ever since coming back from a broken leg in 2005. Often criticised for his lazy style and lack of committment the final thing he needed in a possible career defining season is to be sitting on the sidelines in the first couple of weeks due to a reckless act.

Posted by Sammy D at 11:33 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 14, 2007

Cats serve a raw performance

Credit to Brisbane just too good on the night. After a slow start in the first quarter in which we still looked to be mentally in Darwin , Geelong stepped it up to really control most of the play in the next half of the game but just could get the scoreboard to reflect this dominance. It seemed every time Geelong was on the verge of doming some damage , the Lions would find a way to a 9 pointer. Their kids looked keen and were intent on running back hard while we seemed to be almost stuck in 3rd gear. I’d say Brisbane looked fresher than the Cats, I don’t know if that has anything to do with our long distance travel to Darwin, don’t know if its us still training hard but is was noticeable that we looked a bit leaden.

I suppose one should be positive. Geelong’s effort in this game was very much inline with most peoples opinion of the Pre-season comp. Try but don’t be overly concerned with the result. Not to take anything away from the Lions but watching the game I always thought Geelong had enough ball, had enough experience , had enough forward entries and more than enough set shots to have wrapped this up but we just didn’t seem on our game. Our skills were far from sharp and whether this is an area that may still be our 'Achilles heel' is really is a discussion for another day but the “Usual Suspects” were at it again.I’m sure, pre-season or not most, would have liked them to hit more targets running thru the middle.

Individually, Gary Ablett seemed to hurt himself fairly early which meant the coaching staff put him in cotton wool for the night and Hunt seemed to hurt his leg and was also put on ice. Chapman never played. King played a minor role and compared to the first two games I thought Selwood's absence was notable. We seemed very reliant on Mooney kicking goals for us because our mids really didn’t look to threatening. Gardiner did a bit without being convincing and Nathan Ablett yet again seemed to show hints of salt and pepper. He seems to have good hands but weak arms. Inspite of this he is getting enough ball to have shots at goal, which he is basically wasting. He is a better kick than he is showing at the moment so I’m not sure what the story is.

The game allowed us to see the number 5 back in action with Varcoe making his debut with the main group. He scalped a couple of goals with grubber kicks in the square but it was what didn’t work on the night which hinted at what he may be worth to us down the track. It was when he sharked the ball from a Djerrkura kick and nearly kicked a goal on the run around the corner, one got the feeling that he may be a player capable breaking games open the track with “Ronnie Burns” type goals. Could be quite entertaining watching these two as they get to know each others games.

Look in the end, no real harm done. We can now re-focus on a practice game this week and sharpen ourselves for the season proper. Come the first game against the Dogs one hopes we are far closer to being ready than we appeared Sat night.

GEELONG: 0.1.1, 0.3.4, 0.9.8, 0.10.13 (73)
BRISBANE LIONS: 1.2.4, 1.2.7, 3.4.8, 3.8.10 (85)
NINE POINT GOALS: Geelong: Nil.
Brisbane Lions: Adcock, Black, Begley.
SIX POINT GOALS: Geelong: Mooney 3, Gardiner 3, Varcoe 2, Byrnes, Milburn. Brisbane Lions: Sherman 3, Johnson 2, Tyler, Patfull, Power.
BEST: Geelong: Enright, Bartel, Mooney, Gardiner, Kelly, Milburn, Byrnes. Brisbane Lions: Rischitelli, Black, Sherman, Power, Copeland, Johnson, Notting.
INJURIES: Geelong: J Hunt (strained knee). Brisbane Lions: Nil.
REPORTS: Nil. UMPIRES: McBurney, Head, Nicholls, Ryan.
CROWD: 14,475 at Telstra Dome, Melbourne.
Stats from AFL .com

Posted by Turbocat at 08:30 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 11, 2007

The Money Game

Have you ever listened to the cries of some interstate
“Get rid of the poorer clubs in Vic” ,
“It’s the AFL ,not the VFL and there are too many teams in Vic”
“Why do we have to subsidise clubs in a flooded market”

Today its North Melbourne , sorry Kangaroos. “They are broke they always will be”, so move them to the promised land in Queensland say the experts. Hey Queensland may well be a good area and for the individual wealth of the Roos it may well be the right choice but don’t be under any illusion. Moving the Roos will not remove us of cash strapped clubs. No matter if the Roos move or even merge, no matter if we get 100’s extra millions in TV rights down the track, there will always be a bottom side on the wealth ladder and we there will always be a need to subsidise them.

The subject of enough money is like a “Catch 22” situation. The more money that is generated, the more money that is spent so there is never enough money for the clubs at the bottom. No matter how efficient or streamlined the club, no matter the model they copy, either from other codes/sports or as is the popular thing to do is to attempt to run them along business lines which isn't realistic.

A sporting competition cant really compare to the world of business, not because its weaker but because what we have in the AFL is an artificial environment. Just like Government Authorities that are set up to run because of a percieved public need rather than a business created to make a profit from supplying goods. For example, the routes on which we have public transport. If we tried to make public transport run as lean and as purposeful as a capitalistic business it would supply transport only on routes where there was enough patronage to supply a profit, therefore public transport will always have its fair share of socialistic parameters. The transport supplied is a political balance between supplying a service and trying to run at a reasonable cost. Telstra is another for they subsidise services for the country regions, else they would have to pay exorbitant amounts for the type of services city people get a cheep rate. It gets down to deciding if you want the service because the more business like you are, the more the service dry’s up

In the AFL /VFL and probably every other sporting comp there has always been the strong and the weak, not just on the field but in the bank as well. For most of the time that the VFL had 12 teams, they relied on it being a privilege to play for a VFL side, they kept costs low and they all got by. In those days champion players like Bob Rose finished well before their time to coach/play country football for a lot more money. But after the sixties and the seventies, transfers, brown bags, the 10 year rule and raiding ambitious clubs raised the cost of running the game. The game was growing but the costs were growing quicker and quicker. The cry went up “The comp is trouble”, “the VFL is going to go broke", so change happened.

The Swans to Sydney were the first casualty but eventually in the mid eighties 8 out the 12 clubs were broke. The draft and the cap are introduced and they expand the comp, they brought in WC and Brisbane and on it went until it expanded with the Crows and the Dockers and Port. Playing on Fri night, all day Sat, all day Sunday all over the country. But no matter the amount of the extra dollars pulled in, the costs kept going up. Player payments elevated because they are due a just amount, the staff, the business of running the club, the drafting, all this created a bill of 20M+ a year probably double that for the clubs with cash to spend and each year the costs keep going up as the pressure to be the best compounds the situation. So after all the extra money the comp is now getting compared to decades ago, where are we? We have clubs on top and some struggling. There are those who say the weak clubs are in trouble , the AFL will go broke supporting them and the solution is that they should move, relocate or even merge.

Its one big perpetual spiral because there was not enough money for 12 clubs years ago and there is not enough money for 16 now. Even with TV rights of 150M a year its not enough. With playing games on all days with all the extra streams of revenue, there is not enough. The reason is it’s a bottomless bucket, it’s a pee in the ocean, no matter what the game earns there will always be clubs-some stronger, some weaker and some in trouble. If not controlled, the collective will always try to spend more than they earn, remember nobody ever thinks they will be the ones in the accident but the wreakers are full of wrecked cars. Even if we had an 8 team comp there would be weak and strong, imagine a comp with 4 teams in Vic, 3M people divided into 4 teams, The MCG sold out every weak. How long before the WA team starts asking how can we compete with the numbers in Melbourne, its unfair etc and they would be right.

The thing that all supporters have to accept is there is no pre ordained perfect setup, no secret formula that will prevent some clubs being weaker than others. Every clubs strives to win, this effort raises intensity and the willingness to go the extra. While we want this, it some thing we must protect ourselves from. We must realize that in business, if Coke drives Pepsi out of business then Coke wins, people will still drink a cola and they will drink Coke. In football, its not so. Although we are competitors on the field, we really are all in this together. The AFL is our brand of football.

The strength of the AFL is the diversity born from tribalism and this includes all the Vic clubs. The service that all clubs provide is this diversity, without it we would all be much poor and the comp would lose something.

Control the costs too much and ones kill that competitive edge, the comp becomes a façade and there is no comp, unleash the dog and clubs go broke and there is no comp, Catch 22. I have no answer but less teams , mergers, moves will not solve the problem. Lets say the Roos move to Queensland and they become the strongest side in the AFL it only means the club that was second poorest to the Roos would now be the one under pressure. Moving the Swans has not solved it, merging the Lions has not solved it,introducing teams from WA and SA have not solved it and moving the Roos will not solve it. There will always be poor and there will always be some clubs more comfortable than others. Moves or mergers wont change that, they never have and never will.

Posted by Turbocat at 11:57 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 09, 2007

NAB Cup Semi Final

Geelong v Brisbane
Telstra Dome
Friday 7:40pm

Squads:

Geelong: King, Bartel, Mackie, Varcoe, J.Hunt, Kelly, Corey, Gardiner, Byrnes, Djerrkura, Egan, Mooney, Playfair, N.Ablett, Blake, D.Johnson, G.Ablett, Scarlett, Prismall, Grima, Reynolds, S.Hunt, Milburn, Wojcinski, Enright, Ling, Davenport, Chapman.

Brisbane: Johnson, Fixter, Harding, Power, Adcock, Notting, McGrath, Moody, Sherman, Hawksley, Schmidt, Tyler, Brennan, Charman, Black, Merrett, Patfull, Mills, Roe, Copeland, Wood, Stiller, Rischitelli, Hamill, Clouston, Allan, B.McDonald, Begley.

Geelong's somewhat fortunate win in Darwin last week has prompted punters to propel the Cats into NAB Cup favouritism ahead of its semi final against Brisbane this weekend. Prominent in their thinking, no doubt, would be reports that Brisbane will treat the semi final against the Cats as a practice match and would not play several key players.

That Leigh Matthews claim has yet only proved to be partly true. While Daniel Bradshaw, Jonathan Brown and Nigel Lappin will all watch from the sidelines, Brisbane's premiership stars including Luke Power, Simon Black and Chris Johnson will make the journey to the Telstra Dome.

Geelong had originally planned to take the opportunity to bring back several of its stars after resting them in last week's win over Port Adelaide. But while Steven King and David Wojcinski look certain to play, Brad Ottens will be given another week off and captain Tom Harley won't play due to a leg injury. Aside from those omissions, only Paul Chapman (returning through VFL) and Max Rooke will be missing from the Cats' best 22.

Despite the apparent advantage Geelong appears to enjoy in the seriousness stakes, they would be wise not to take Brisbane too lightly. The Lions have enjoyed two impressive wins travelling in the first two rounds of the NAB Cup and will be full of confidence despite their comparatively inexperienced line-up.

Geelong on the other hand, while widely tipped to dispatch with Brisbane to gain itself a berth in the NAB Cup Grand Final, could easily have gone down to Port and demonstrated only a solid performance against a Richmond outfit which has been unimpressive in subsequent matches. Geelong could well be feeling the pinch after playing in horrendous conditions last week.

The inherent nature of the NAB Cup throws up unpredictable results with familiar regularity. For that reason alone, I won't venture to punt any of my hard earned on this match, especially with the short odds that are on offer for the Cats. On form and feeling, I can't go past the Cats, but I wouldn't be surprised nor altogether disappointed, if the Lions jumped the Cats unexpectedly. Geelong by 10 points.

Posted by catempire at 08:39 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 08, 2007

Lady Luck

Before Saturday night's game, I made the statement that games played in such torrential conditions are won by the most disciplined and well-drilled team.

When Joel Corey handed Chad Cornes that 50 metre penalty with 32 seconds left in the match, my original hypothesis might have looked pretty good. Corey had effectively handed the match to Port on a platter, all because he showed a distinct lack of discipline. Some may have said he was stiff. But the fact remains that strong discipline prevents a player from putting himself in such situations.

But my seemingly innocuous statement neglected another factor that can often play a major role in sporting events, especially close ones. I'm speaking, of course, about luck.

A let cord, an own-goal or a French-cut for four. Steven Bradbury. Or, in this case, a shot at goal hitting the post from 25 metres out.

It's the difference between sporting elation and devastation.

Geelong and Port slogged their respective innards out in the worst imaginable conditions, yet the result was not ultimately determined by one side being “better” than the other. Either team could lay claim to being deserving of playing in next week's semi finals but Geelong will be doing so because Cornes missed a shot at goal that he would have kicked 95 times out of 100. That's luck (or perhaps more correctly, probability).

It got me thinking, how much luck is involved in winning a premiership? A lot, I would say.

Luck plays a part with injuries, weather conditions, umpiring decisions, the draw and the unpredictable bounce of an oval shaped ball. Multiply these factors by a 22 week season followed by a four week finals series and no one could claim that luck isn't going to play a significant part.

Luck could be the difference between kicking a goal or watching your opponent kick one over your head. It can be the difference between a victorious post-match interview and walking up the race with your chin on your chest. It could be the difference between scraping into the eight and missing out on percentage. So of course, it could just be the difference between holding up the Premiership Cup and reminiscing about how close you came.

This is nothing exceptionally profound. It only serves to prove that you can have the best midfield, the most “stars”, the stingiest defence or the most potent forward line and it might just make the difference, but then again, it might not. You've got to give it all your best shot and then hope luck gives you that little bit extra.

So is there a lesson from all of this?

You could say that there's not a whole lot you can do about luck. But I often think about what Malcolm Blight had to say about it.

“The harder I trained the luckier I seemed to get”.

Indeed, fortune not only seems to follow the brave, it also seems to follow hard workers. Geelong have had a massive fitness focus during this pre-season, but it remains to be seen whether they've worked hard enough in other areas as well to make Lady Luck smile their way.

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March 07, 2007

Clash Jumper or Cash Jumper?

I’ve tried not to just be reactive but after 2 weeks of this new jumper, a jumper brought in to prevent clash’s, I'd have to say I'd give a thumbs down to our newest strip.

How the AFL sanctioned us playing against Port in their away strip, I’ll never know, but it demonstrates that this ‘clash’ jumper thing is con. I heard some dribble about us not having our regular jumper with new sponsorship ready but surely this is just tripe. GFC announced that this strip would be used during the NAB cup, the AFL scheduled our matches, they were aware of what Port would wear and frankly it was a poor example of having clearly defined playing strip. I know it was a murky night but with us wearing a mostly navy blue top with white shorts, Port wearing a slightly lighter Teal top with black shorts, add a bit of water, slap on a little mud, don’t forget the sponsor colours and your end up with a Technicolor mess with numbers.

Wasn’t this jumper brought in to prevent clashes? Just which clubs do we clash with any way? Come on just admit it, its all about money. Ok , I know I’m out of step on this one but why do we have to mess with what I see as one of the most recognisable tops in the Australian sport? Marketing and dollars, for me, are a poor excuse to mess with our heritage.

Is there really an issue? Well there wasn't but maybe there is if we continue to wear this top.Who else has Blue Hoops? I’m sure our normal jumper would have been far easier to discern than what I watched the other night.

Just to finish. I’d like to say’s thanks for the chance to contribute to the Geelongblog site within the area “Turbos Thoughts”. I will be trying to add to the variety of the site mainly with some opinion pieces on Footy subjects, but who knows I suppose it could be anything that may have sparked my interest enough to type. If I do my job properly you may agree with some, you will probably totally disagree with others but If can interest readers enough to read and possibly create a small spark of thought, I will be happy with my efforts.

Posted by Turbocat at 06:35 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 06, 2007

Stokes gets hit for 4

Matthew Stokes will miss the start of the AFL Season

Young Cat suspended for four matches
Paul Gough, Sportal for afl.com.au

Exciting Geelong youngster Matthew Stokes became the first victim of the AFL’s crackdown on front-on, head-high contact after he was suspended for four matches by the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night.

Stokes could have accepted a three-match ban from the AFL’s match review panel but chose to take his case to the tribunal, arguing that his actions in bumping Port's Domenic Cassisi from the front during last Saturday night's NAB Cup match in Darwin was negligent rather than reckless.

However, the three-man jury comprised of former players Emmett Dunne, David Pittman and Wayne Schimmelbusch agreed with the match review panel's original finding of a level-three offence worth 400 points and imposed the four-game ban.

It means Stokes, who played nine games in his debut season last year and who has been one of the Cats’ best players in their run to the NAB Cup semi-finals, will miss at least the first two home-and-away games in 2007 and the first three should the Cats not progress to the NAB Cup grand final on March 17 by beating Brisbane this week.

Later, Fremantle's Michael Johnson also received a four-match ban for his head-high contact on the Kangaroos' Lachlan Hansen during their NAB Cup match at Telstra Dome.

After the hearing, Geelong football operations manager Neil Balme admitted the tribunal had sent a strong message to all players that front-on bumps would not be tolerated, particularly ones that made head-high contact such as Stokes’ clash with Cassisi.

“We understand the rule and how important it is and there is certainly no dispute about that but it’s very severe on the (reported) player obviously,” Balme said.

I was disappointed to hear we would challenge this as with the AFL crackdown on these kind of incidents I knew we were going to be hit hard. If we make it to the NAB Cup GF the last game he'll missis the Carlton game (Round 2) which hopefully we can afford to lose him for.

4 weeks is a lot for player on a first offence. I would hate to think what somebody with a bad record would cop. Speaking of bad records I wait with anticipation of Farmer's verdict. If this kind of contact is worth 4, a player with Farmers record and a serious charge of eye gouging he should cop 10 minimum, but knowing the tribunals consistency he's bound to cop only about 6, or dare I say it....4.

Posted by Sammy D at 10:44 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

Cats win thriller in extra time

Djerrkura shows off his class in the wet

To be honest there isn't a lot to say about this match. The terrential downpour it was played in made the game more of a trench fight than a football match with players throwing their bodies around to gain valuable metres on the field.

Seeing the weather on the pub TV screen I stated to my mates "50 points will win this thing". If I was telling the truth Geelong were in a lot of trouble by the end of the 1st quarter as Port had kicked out to a 25 to 8 lead.

But for the next two quarters it was pure Geelong dominance as we took a 3 goal lead going into the last quarter thanks to many desperate efforts all over the field.

But a Chad Cornes inspired Port Power came back hard in the last quarter and took the lead with not much time to go. Jimmy Bartel snapped a vital goal for the Cats and when the siren went 52 exhausted players hung their heads knowing the level scores meant this game was going to be settled with at least 10 more minutes of football in horribly tough conditions.

Port will be wondering how they lost this match. In the first short half of extra time Ebert took a mark 10 metres out in front of goal only to play on & kick on his non-preferred side only to manage to hit the post and out of play for a behind.

In the second period Geelong got their only score via a tough Mooney mark and conversion from 20m out to take a vital lead only for Joel Corey to give away a 50m penalty for knocking the ball out of Chad Cornes hands when he was 60m out from goal with half a minute left. Cornes shooting for 9 points which would surely bury the Cats also only managed to find the goal post and the ball once again go out for a behind. Ebert then dropped a mark he should have taken with 5 seconds left as Geelong stole a hard fought victory in a monsoon.

Can't comment a lot on the players as it's hard to judge them in such conditions. Djerrkura did two masterful one handed pick ups in the wet, one of which resulted in a goal to himself (see pic above). Selwood threw himself around in the wet like a crazy man, looks our best new prospect in a long time. While Reynolds looks to have a good set of hands, but his kicking is questionable although he did managed to get two goals.

The only negatives were the injury to Timmy Callan who seems cursed and the report of Stokesy who the tribunal will no doubt come down hard on because it's their new target agenda.

PORT ADELAIDE: 0.4.1, 0.4.6, 0.4.6, 7.15 (57)
GEELONG: 0.1.2, 0.4.4, 0.7.6, 0.9.6 (60)

NINE POINT GOALS: Port Adelaide: Nil
Geelong: Nil
SIX POINT GOALS: Port Adelaide: White 2, Cockshell 2, Gray, Burgoyne, Lade
Geelong: Mooney 4, Reynolds 2, Byrnes, Djerrkura, Bartel
BEST: Port Adelaide: K.Cornes, White, S.Burgoyne, Rodan, Wilson
Geelong: Bartel, Mooney, Enright, Byrnes, Scarlett, Selwood
INJURIES: Port Adelaide: Nil
Geelong: Nil
REPORTS: Mathew Stokes (Geelong) for rough play on Dom Cassisi (Port Adelaide) in the third quarter
UMPIRES: McBurney, Kamolins, Ryan, Nicholls
CROWD: 4,804 at TIO Stadium

So now it is off to the Telstra Dome for Friday night football as we take on the Lions and have a good chance of making the pre-season grand final for the 3rd time in 4 years. If only we could match that in the regular season.

Posted by Sammy D at 08:08 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack

March 01, 2007

NAB Cup Round 2

Geelong v Port Adelaide
Saturday, 8:40pm (Eastern)
TIO Stadium, Darwin

Squads:

Geelong: Tom Harley, Jimmy Bartel, Andrew Mackie, Tim Callan, Josh Hunt, James Kelly, Joel Corey, Trent West, Joel Selwood, Charlie Gardiner, Shannon Byrnes, Nathan Djerrkura, Matthew Egan, Cameron Mooney, Henry Playfair, Nathan Ablett, Mark Blake, Matthew Stokes, David Johnson, Gary Ablett, Matthew Scarlett, Brent Prismall, Joel Reymolds, Sam Hunt, David Wojcinski, Jason Davenport, Corey Enright, Cameron Ling.

Port Adelaide: Darryl Wakelin, Brendon Lade, Adam Thomson, Peter Burgoyne, Shaun Burgoyne, Travis Boak, Ryan Willits, Nathan Lonie, David Rodan, Danyle Pearce, Kane Cornes, Dean Brogan, Michael Wilson, Josh Mahoney, Brad Symes, Damon White, Domenic Cassisi, Nick Lower, Toby Thurstans, Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Brett Ebert, Adam Cockshell, Chad Cornes, Michael Pettigrew, Justin Westhoff, Greg Bentley, Tom Logan.

“Monsoonal showers”. Two words the strike fear into the heart of any footy fan hoping to see a decent spectacle of a football game.

But that's what's forecast for this week's Round 2 NAB Cup match between Geelong and Port Adelaide in Darwin.

Add to this, what will probably be the easiest extreme heat rule invocation in history is likely to occur as the mercury is tipped to top 38 degrees.

The Cats have added seven players to their squad, including four first-gamers for the club - Nathan Djerrkura, Joel Reynolds, Trent West and Jason Davenport. They will debut along side Henry Playfair, Tim Callan and David Johnson who are returning from VFL duties. Steven King, Darren Milburn, David Wojcinski and Brad Ottens will be rested.

Port will also take this opportunity to blood some youngsters, giving Travis Boak, Nathan Krakouer, Justin Westhoff and Adam Cockshell their first chance. Toby Thurstans and Brad Symes have also been named in the Power squad. Stephen Salopek will miss the clash with a calf injury while Daniel Motlop has been banished for missing a training session.

The 28-man squads will be trimmed to 26, allowing for eight each on the interchange to tackle the likely testing conditions.

The inclusion of Boak presents the tantalising possibility that at some stage of the game a matchup between Boak and Selwood may occur – picks 5 and 7 respectively in the 2006 National Draft. Port took Boak when there was strong speculation that Geelong would if he fell to pick seven. Selwood showed in his first game the poise and nouse of a 100 game player. Port will now hope that their decision is vindicated in drafting the Torquay boy.

Nathan Djerrkura gets his chance in front of a home crowd. He has impressed in intra-clubs and in the VFL game last week. Already likened to Byron Pickett, the Cats will be hoping he can add some zing to what sometimes looks to be a plain Jane outfit.

Geelong have won their past three encounters against Port including two close ones and a 79-point thumping. Port won the clash immediately prior to those games, the 2004 Qualifying Final in which the eventual premiers gave the young Cats an embarrassing football lesson.

It would be fair to say though, that the two teams haven't encountered each other in circumstances quite like they will this weekend. The hot, humid and wet Darwin conditions are likely to throw all formlines out the window. Conditions like these provide wins to the team that is the most well-drilled, the most disciplined and that is prepared to do the little things to help their team. At this stage of the year, a well-thought out prediction of who that will be is no more worthy than a flip of the coin.

Both teams have a lot to prove. But Geelong's triumph in the 2006 NAB Cup may just mean that Port will have the edge in the hunger stakes on this occasion. The resting of key players may be an early indicator of this. The conditions will dictate that the match is close. Port by 7 points.

Posted by catempire at 06:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack