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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 March 29, 2007 04:54 PM
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