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April 30, 2007
The Real Thing
Someone on the mainboard started talking about Gary Snr. Rather than bump an old post I thought I might use the Blog to restate my thoughts on the man
…
Some say when you watch a great talent that they can make it look easy in their area of expertise. Its true they can make it look effortless but then some like Gary not only do that but they realise your own limitations . When I watched Gary , I could be stunned by the audacity of the man , to attempt such feats and then be amazed by his ability to complete the task .
Champions and great talents in sport elevate the athletic performance beyond the normal grunt ,sweat and grind to the level of art. They don’t just play a sport as an activity and play it well , they transcend the level of physical effort and define the level that others can aspire too. They can make the very talented look ordinary, they can make others look more like tradesmen than artisans.
A film that I’ve always thought explored this theme is Aradeus. As I remember it, the film revolves around two composers , Salieri and Mozart. Salieri, religious, pious, man, a man who is a very good composer, a man who is content with the talent that he believed that God had given him. This is until Mozart arrives in Vienna. When Mozart appears its obvious who has the real talent, Salieri has worked and worked, polished his talent and he is good but Mozart is great, he appears not to need to work because of the talent he has been blessed with. He makes Salieri seem pedestrian by comparison., a labourer compared to a natural. More over , Mozart is not only talented beyond compare he is a fool, a party goer ,a philander a person who appears to squander his talent and not care much of it. As represented in the film he is the personification of underserved talent, he is represented as person of such low morals and such high natural talents that Salieri questions his own relationship with GOD. To paraphrase ‘How could you have given so much talent to ..him and me so little to me” .In the film, Salieri becomes so obsessed Mozart he eventually conspires to kill him but of course that’s not the end. After the death of Mozart , Salieri realizes that he really hasn’t rid himself of the genius because his music endures while Salieri's fades into obscurity.
To me, its not much of a leap to compare Gary to Aradeus. I can remember a story relayed by Gerard Healy. He was playing in that early State game which as previously mentioned Gary got a gig on the word of Cool Rockin Teddy. He was still so unknown at that time that I can still remember the WA commentators calling him Geoff. I think he kicked 8 and certainly should have one the medal for BOG. Anyway at one stage in the game he took a mark about 55-65M out close to the boundary. Gerard Healy screamed to pass the ball but Gary ignored him and continued to line up the shot. Healy thought, “Who the hell doe this guy think he is, you cant even make the distance from there”. Well after it cleared the sticks at goal post height , there was no more a questions about who the hell he thought he was. Talent like his could make his fellow players even shake their heads in awe.
Its not really fair to have so much talent , on the rest of them and probably on Gary himself. I can imagine how someone who had to work there “A” off to make it would question the fairness of it when they watched Gary. Imagine kids everywhere playing footy, junior team’s everywhere with one or two kids with standout ability. Those kids then proceed to the next level. , where yet again one or two standout. By the time most get to the AFL , every player there is playing against a guy who was a standout among standouts, most who did it easy now have to work like never before. How talented must you be, to come in and standout without really working that hard. I was there that day Gary played Fitzroy. He Williams and Jacko all debuted for us. Gary was Gary , a standout player on the wing and got reported and got 3 weeks, ahh what start. His whole career from that time on was anything but forgettable.
For the rest of that year I think he took a “Mark of the Year” every week. And every year from then on produced something that has become a pearl in somebody’s memory The day he kicked a torp goal from the middle of the G, the day he cleaned up Worsfold, the day he kicked 14 against Richmond and Ess and Swans. What about the day he was basically held most of the day by Gafer but broke loose in the last .That dash coming from at least 25m behind the 2 Pie players pushed the aside grabbed the ball, ran on and kicked the goal .Its remembered as the "Gary Ablett ,what more can you say". That’s why people went to watch him , he could make a day at the footy a memorable experience. Every game there would be something that would amaze you even if it was the only thing he did.
Another movie that I see parallels with Gary is ‘The Natural” . The movie itself is like a parable , of good and evil. Roy Hobbs , The country bumpkin kid with talent, that can do anything. His goal is simply "to be the best that ever was" It contains a woman in Black who's name was Bird(Birds traditionally are related to bad luck or a forbearer of evil) and a woman in white, wholesome saviour, the cleanser, the true path to right
And just like Sampson , Hobbs has an almost fatal flaw, a weakness. Its Choice. So good on the field yet he can make muddled choices off it. This weakness brings him down. But like all great sports movies its about redemption and over coming weakness , unfortunately life isn’t always like that. Anyway near the end of the movie when Roy has concerns over not reaching his potential as being the best ever Iris tells him “With or without the records …they’ll remember you”. And so it will be with Gary. No premierships, 1 B&F yet his on ground performances have effected many an observer. People would go to watch Geelong just to see him , for many the game was never the same when he finished. For all my disappointment of being a follower of the hoops, I thank GOD for me being able to see Gary in full flight , the one drawback I suppose is that all that all that now follow seem like Salieri , hardworking disciplined toilers. A pale imitation of the real thing.
Posted by Turbocat at 10:31 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 28, 2007
Round 5 Preview
Geelong v Kangaroos
Skilled Stadium
2:10pm Sunday
Teams
GEELONG
Backs: Enright Scarlett Mackie
Half-backs: D Johnson Egan Milburn
Centres: Wojcinski Bartel Stokes
Half-forwards: Chapman Mooney Kelly
Forwards: Hawkins N Ablett G Ablett
Followers: King Ling Rover: Corey
Interchange: Blake Prismall Selwood Varcoe
In: Selwood Varcoe
Out: J Hunt Byrnes
KANGAROOS
Backs: Archer Petrie Gibson
Half-backs: Pratt Watt Firrito
Centres: Wells Harris Rawlings
Half-forwards: Adams Brown Swallow
Forwards: Campbell Edwards Harvey
Followers: McIntosh Grant Rover: Simpson
Interchange: From: Jones Grima Sinclair Green Smith Moran Trotter
In: Adams
Out: Thomas (chest)
New: Leigh Adams, 19, Eastern Ranges
Past 5 clashes
R17 2006 Kangaroos 13.12 (90) d Geelong 8.12 (60) Manuka Oval
R2 2006 Geelong 22.6 (138) d Kangaroos 10.9 (69) Skilled Stadium
R9 2005 Geelong 22.14 (146) d Kangaroos 8.13 (61) Skilled Stadium
R12 2004 Geelong 14.10 (94) d Kangaroos 12.12 (84) Skilled Stadium
R17 2003 Kangaroos 16.8 (104) d Geelong 12.14 (86) Manuka Oval
Betting
Geelong $1.25, Kangaroos $3.70
Geelong should consider themselves lucky that the Kangaroos broke their drought at Carrara at the weekend. The Roos have a canny knack of pulling off a win when their backs are against the wall and had they not managed to overcome Brisbane, Geelong would have been faced with an even more determined outfit in this coming match.
But the Kangaroos have faced yet another week of off-field drama with speculation surrounding a possible permanent move to the Gold Coast. While that issue appears to have been put to bed (for now), it would not surprise to see the Roos put in another spirited performance on Sunday afternoon.
At the selection table, Geelong has recalled Joel Selwood after he was rested from the trip across Bass Strait. He replaces Josh Hunt who has been relegated to the VFL to find some form. Travis Varcoe has been included in place of Shannon Byrnes, whose wayward kicking for goal has finally caught up with him.
The Kanagroos have added debutant and rookie Leigh Adams, last season’s under 18 Vic Metro captain. He comes in after exciting youngster Lindsay Thomas succumbed to a chest injury.
Geelong will be looking to reinvigorate its tall forward setup which, after looking particularly potent against Carlton and Melbourne, was found wanting in the windy conditions in Launceston. But with wet weather forecast for Sunday afternoon, Mooney, Nathan Ablett and Hawkins may once again find things difficult.
For the Kangaroos, Grant, Harvey, Simpson, Wells and Harris will again be looking to provide their forwards with first use. Those five combine for 115 possessions against Brisbane last week, so Geelong will likely play at least a couple of stopping roles with Ling on Simpson and David Johnson to get Wells.
Geelong’s midfield lineup has been spearheaded superbly by Jimmy Bartel who stands second in the league for possessions after Round 4. Doubt remains over his partner in crime, Gary Ablett, who sustained a nasty cork to his calf against Hawthorn and is no certainty to take his place in the selected side.
With the wet weather forecast, the midfield tilted in favour of the Roos and the forward line power in favour of the Cats, one is tempted to tip the Kangaroos.
But Geelong will have been stung after its lack-lustre performance against the Hawks, and with its first game in front of a home crowd for the season, they should come out firing. Although likely to be close, Geelong’s class advantage should get them over the line.
Geelong by 9 points
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April 25, 2007
Cats sink Dolphins
Geelong 1.1 9.3 10.5 13.6 (84)
Frankston 2.4 3.6 4.9 6.12 (48)
Goals: Grima 5, Gardiner 2, Varcoe 2, Johnson, Clarke, West, Couch
Best: Callan, Tenace, Owen, Bedford, Gardiner, Djerrkura
Cats sink DolphinsNick Price
A six goal burst in only 10 minutes of football set up the Bendigo Bank Cats’ second win of the season on Saturday.
In wet conditions at Skilled Stadium, Geelong had to fight very hard for their 36 point win against a determined Frankston side that were coming off a bye and a first round win against Port Melbourne.
The round 3 clash saw the VFL debut of Tom Couch, son of club champion Paul. Couch worked his way into the game to collect an impressive 21 possessions and just as importantly, made some dashing chases and well-waited handballs to show that he has all the talent to belong at this level.
Kane Tenace was simply everywhere for the Cats, racking up a remarkable 47 possessions in the win. Playing as a sweeper across half-back, Tenace set up countless attacking forays for the home side and showed the sort of form that would warrant a call-up to the AFL.
After a promising first quarter where the Dolphins seemed to have more players at every contest, they were simply blown away at the start of the second term by a Geelong side playing a direct and attacking style of football.
The goal-scoring onslaught shouldn’t have come as a surprise to anyone, as it has become a trend in season 2007 for the Cats. 10-goal quarters against Sandringham and Tasmania preceded this contest, evidence that when the Cats use their superior leg speed and skill to full advantage they are simply unstoppable.
Todd Grima kicked an outstanding five second quarter goals to follow up his last quarter effort in Tasmania last week. However, it was the pace and deft touch of Geelong’s indigenous players Travis Varcoe and Nathan Djerrkura that set up the win. ‘Their footy nouse and skills in the wet were fantastic. They won the game for us in the first ten minutes of that second quarter,’ Tudor said after the game.
Stephen Owen worked tirelessly in defence and Sam Hunt managed an outstanding 11 rebounds out of defensive 50 for the game.
Geelong’s attack on the football was ferocious, as they tallied a whopping 45 tackles to 13 for the game, lead by their inspirational skipper James Byrne.
Charlie Gardiner provided a target in the Geelong forward line all day taking 11 marks, and when he kicked his second goal for the day to put the home side 32 points ahead, it looked to be a finished contest.
Other young guns to impress on the day were ruckman Trent West with 14 possessions and 17 hit-outs, and Liam Bedford with 29 disposals.
Tudor was relieved to come away with the four points after the match’s conclusion. “It took a while for the players to work out what style we needed to play to win, but once we played direct and kicked it to Todd Grima one-on-one it paid off. It was a bash-and-crash game, and we’ll need to recover well to beat a well-coached side in North Ballarat next week.”
Like everyone at the ground, Tudor was impressed with young Couch’s debut. The debutant found VFL footy a little different to playing at TAC Cup level.
“There’s definitely a lot more tactics involved, and players demand more from you as well,” Couch explained.
“I’d just like to stay in the team as long as I possibly can.”
Next week the Bendigo Bank Cats play host to North Ballarat on the Sunday as a curtain raiser to the Geelong and Kangaroos AFL game. The first bounce will be at 10:40am local time.
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Cats out scrapped by Hawks
HAWTHORN 0.3 4.7 8.9 10.16 (76)
GEELONG 3.3 4.8 8.13 9.18 (72)
Goals: Hawthorn: M Williams 3 S Crawford S Taylor B Guerra T Boyle L Franklin X Ellis C Young. Geelong: M Stokes 2 G Ablett 2 J Kelly 2 D Milburn D Wojcinski C Ling.
Best: Hawthorn: L Hodge S Crawford L Franklin B Guerra M Williams J Lewis. Geelong: G Ablett C Ling J Bartel D Milburn D Wojcinski C Enright.
Injuries: Hawthorn: C Young (shoulder) R Ladson (ankle) replaced in selected side by B McGlynn. Geelong: G Ablett (corked calf).
Reports: J Hunt (Geelong) reported by field umpire S Ryan for allegedly charging S Crawford (Hawthorn) in the third quarter.
"It's probably going to be more of an ugly game than it will be a fashionable”
Mark Thompson was at least successful in his prediction of the standard of game that was produced in Geelong's Round 4 clash, which Hawthorn won by four points.
In blustery conditions at Aurora Stadium in Launceston, it was a more determined and slightly more polished Hawthorn side that managed to overcome Geelong in the last quarter to take the points.
The Cats had 52 more handballs than the Hawks – no doubt a concerted effort to run the ball in the windy conditions – but inaccurate kicking and poor efforts from key players hampered Geelong's attempt to remove Hawthorn's vice-like grip on its Aurora Stadium record.
Geelong made a solid start to the match, getting away to a three goal lead with the assistance of a strong breeze in the first quarter. But Hawthorn's second quarter was equally impressive and by the main break only a point separated the teams.
It was clear by this stage that the wind would dictate that tall forwards would have minimum impact on the result of the match. Mackie was holding Franklin well and Mooney, Nathan Ablett and Hawkins were starved of the ball.
The third quarter proved to be the difference between the teams. While Geelong piled on four goals, Hawthorn were not to be denied adding four of their own into the stiff breeze. Geelong on the other hand, could only manage 2.10 into the wind for the whole match.
In the final quarter, both teams had their chances to snatch the victory. In the end it was Hawthorn that managed the extra goal, courtesy of Xavier Ellis, that made the differene.
Geelong coach Mark Thompson was surprisingly philosophical after the game.
"(The Hawks) were always going to be a difficult side to play against," he said.
"As long as we have enough wins at the end of the season, that's all we want to focus on. Win or lose, as long as we keep improving and working on our game style … that's what we want to achieve.
"We'll come out next week and the week after and people will forget about this game."
And despite the disappointing games from Geelong's tall forwards, Thompson gave praise to Bartel and Gary Ablett for the strong performances as well as Mackie and Ling for their excellent negating roles.
Ablett in particular played an excellent game after copping a heavy knock to the calf in the second quarter which saw him on crutches for the trip back to Melbourne.
For now, Hawthorn's good record in recent years against Geelong remains.
The Hawks will be happy to be in a stronger position than many had tipped them to be after four rounds.
Geelong play their next four games in Victoria, three of which will come at their home stadium. Two wins in the next two weeks against the Kangaroos and Richmond would build some nice momentum before a difficult mid-season period.
Geelongblog.com Player of The Year
Round 4:
5. Gary Ablett
3.5. Jimmy Bartel
3.5. Darren Milburn
1.5. Cameron Ling
1.5. Andrew Mackie
Leaderboard:
1. Gary Ablett - 10.5
1. Jimmy Bartel - 10.5
3. Nathan Ablett - 7
4. David Wojcinski - 6
5. Corey Enright - 5
6. Paul Chapman - 4.5
7. Brent Prismall - 4
8. Darren Milburn 3.5
9. David Johnson - 2.5
10. Matthew Scarlett - 2
11. Cameron Ling - 1.5
11. Andrew Mackie - 1.5
13. Cameron Mooney - 1
14. Mark Blake - 0.5
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April 24, 2007
Groundhog Day , Geelong Style
Reading a quote from Thompson after the game I’ve got to wonder if he really understands the Geelong conundrum?
“The Hawks were always going to be a difficult side to play against” he said
“As long as we have enough wins at the end of the season, that’s all we want to focus on. Win or lose, as long as we keep improving and working on our game style… that’s what we want to achieve.”
“We will come out next week and the week after and people will forget about this game”
Forget about this game?
I really doubt any Geelong supporter worth his salt will be forgetting this game in hurry.
Why is it do you think that despite two glowing victories against mediocre opposition that we failed against Hawthorn .Why was it not a surprise that we lost? All week I had a little flashing light going off telling me it was about to happen again and like Pavlov’s dog , history had trained me to expect the result that was delivered by our side in Tas.
Yes I was disappointed but surprised no. I had seen it too many times before.
To me , it was Groundhog Day , Geelong style. It was just like last year, all over again. In fact just like so many years all over again. To many times we all have watched that team give it to us right were it hurts. When they were a good team they beat us, when they were a crap team they beat us , when we were ten goals up they would beat us., when it most mattered they would beat us. When ever ,where ever they would just beat us.
Now maybe we are just all just nut jobs in Geelong. We are told we go wacky when we win and we want to blow things up when we lose. Don’t get too upset they say, don’t be over reactive. It’s a minor game , insignificant in the big scheme of things but just why does it keep happening to us. There must be an answer and after careful consideration I’ve come to the conclusion that the answer must be us.
Its our fault. Read the papers. Its all our fault , hear the radio. We pander them , we piss in their pockets, we tell every single footballer that he is a cross between the Messiah , a high powered business man and a rock star with a hit song. We put up them up on pedestals and over look their short comings. No wonder they keep stuffing up , it has to be our fault.
At the same time , Its all our fault. We just accept mediocrity , we are just all satisfied with a quarter of exciting football here or half a game of good footy there. We clap losing sides and don’t barrack hard enough to rev the players up. All we want is instant gratification , winning flags? Who give a rats! All we want from footy is to get our hopes up so we can then get our guts kicked in over and over. Geelong supporters are really just masochists, we just love to hit ourselves in the head with a hammer because it feels so good when we stop. So don’t blame the club and the players, they only play the game.
I mean it must be right. We have different coaches , different players, different everything except the same supporters. Its our fault .Sure we cant get out there and kick it straight, and take a mark but sure as hell , we keep coming back and taking these Groundhog days so , it must be our fault..
Hey , what the hell. Maybe Bomber can forget it , but I doubt I or other Geelong supporters will.Not really. Not because of this one minor game but because of the layer upon layer of this Geelong Strudel of disappointing results that have been served up over the years. Results just like this against Hawthorn and others, results that remind me I’ m a Geelong supporter what ever you do don’t start trusting your side. Results that remind me to never get comfortable when we are winning , never get confident when we a playing a team we should beat and never ever let the Bar Fridge get empty.
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April 19, 2007
Round 4 - HAWTHORN v GEELONG
Aurora Stadium
Sunday, 22 April, 1:10pm
Hawthorn
B: Brown Gilham Jacobs
HB: Birchall Hodge Ladson
C: Bateman Sewell Crawford
HF: Young Boyle Franklin
F: Roughead Dixon Williams
FOLL: Campbell Mitchell Rover: Lewis
I/C: From: Dawson Ellis Guerra McGlynn Taylor Thurgood Osborne
IN: Bateman Thurgood Dawson
OUT: Nil
Geelong
B: Enright Scarlett Mackie
HB: J Hunt Egan Milburn
C: Wojcinski Bartel Byrnes
HF: Chapman Mooney Kelly
F: Hawkins N Ablett G Ablett
FOLL: Blake Ling Rover: Corey
I/C: From: D Johnson Tenace King Prismall Selwood Gardiner Stokes
IN: N Ablett Stokes King Gardiner Tenace
OUT: Ottens (hip) Varcoe
Hawthorn have won the past two encounters between these sides by a total of 113 points. In their first match last season, the Hawks surprised the then flag favourites on Geelong's home turf. At the time it was put down to a lapse in concentration, a slip-up and an aberration that would be amended the following week. As it transpired, the Cats would lose their next three and win only one of their next seven matches. The match against Hawthorn was the beginning of the end of Geelong's season.
In Round 22, the two teams met again and the Hawks were only too happy to repeat the dose. Playing for pride only with finals out of the equation, Hawthorn again humiliated Geelong, this time to the tune of 61 points at the Telstra Dome.
And so the upcoming match between the 1989 Grand Final combatants brings with it a strange dynamic. Geelong will enter the match as favourites even though the Hawks have had the upper hand in recent matches. Both sides stand at two wins and a loss but the wins by both teams have been over sides that most would predict won't be taking part in the September action – Melbourne, Carlton and the Kangaroos. The form line going into the match, consequently, is not an easy one to pin down.
At the selection table, Geelong have lost big man Brad Ottens to a hip complaint. His absence is likely to impede the cats, not only in the ruck where he has performed well in the past two matches, but also forward where he has been used in the rotation with Mooney, Nathan Ablett and – the next big thing in town – Tom Hawkins. The injury cloud over Nathan Ablett and Ottens' absence may force the Cats to recall Charlie Gardiner. Steven King's lack of match conditioning and unsuitability to a resting role in the forward line, makes him an imperfect replacement for Ottens.
Geelong have also added speedster Kane Tenace following good form in the VFL, as well as Matthew Stokes who has completed his suspension. Travis Varcoe, who has shown glimpses of flair and strong defensive pressure, has been omitted.
Hawthorn will welcome back Chance Bateman from a thigh injury. Josh Thurgood and Zac Dawson complete the 25-man squad.
Tactically, Hawthorn's two comfortable wins against Geelong in 2006 suggest that Alistair Clarkson and his coaching staff may have the tactical upper hand. Mark Thompson fired the first salvo in the mind games matchup earlier this week, by suggesting that Geelong would have to adjust its gameplan to combat Hawthorn's flooding style. One wonders what Thompson hoped to achieve by making such comments, but one certain result is that Hawthorn will be even keener to prove that they have Geelong's measure, with or without a flood.
Geelong's approach to the game will speak volumes about Thompson's coaching credentials. Often criticised for his one-dimensional game plan and an inability to fight his way out of adversity, the Cats' coach will look to prove that he has more than one string to his bow.
The x-factor in this match is the venue – Aurora Stadium in Launceston. Hawthorn were victorious in their three encounters at the ground in 2006, while the Cats are yet to sight it. This ingredient in the mix makes predicting the outcome between two evenly matched sides even more fraught with danger.
The Cats have been more impressive in the previous two weeks than the Hawks, winning comfortably on both occasions. On the other hand, Hawthorn have only just overcome the Kangaroos and Melbourne. But while this points to a position of strength on Geelong's part, the unfamiliar venue and Hawthorn's strong record in recent meetings, tempers the inclination to tip an easy Geelong win.
Geelong by 12 points
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April 17, 2007
Cats deal with injury ravaged Dees
Young guns Brent Prismall (left) & Tom Hawkins (right) kicked 7 goals between them against Melbourne.
GEELONG 5.8 11.8 14.10 15.19 (109)
MELBOURNE 2.1 4.4 5.9 8.9 (57)
GOALS: Geelong: T Hawkins 4 B Prismall 3 J Bartel T Varcoe B Ottens S Byrnes C Mooney P Chapman D Milburn C Ling. Melbourne: B Green 4 B Moloney 2 T Johnstone S Godfrey.
BEST: Geelong: J Bartel B Prismall G Ablett C Ling T Hawkins P Chapman. Melbourne: B Green C Bruce B Moloney T Johnstone J McDonald N Carroll.
INJURIES: Geelong: N Ablett (hamstring) replaced in selected side by J Selwood. Melbourne: Nil.
REPORTS: Nil.
CROWD: 38,438 at the MCG.
Geelong managed to do what some perceive has been a weakness in their game over the years on Sunday. They went out and comfortably beat an opposition whom under the circumstances they should beat comfortably.
However it wasn't a total cakewalk for the Cats. When my mates & I heard the guy behind us say that Nathan Ablett was out despite being out in the warm up we just presumed it was some deviant Demons supporter extracting the urine. That was until we saw Nathan run down the race & the MCG announcer conform Joel Selwood had come in for him.
This wasn't good news, surely we couldn't lose to a Melbourne side horribly out of form and missing Robertson, Neitz, McLean & Rivers could we? Thankfully it didn't hurt us one bit. It gave Tomahawk a bit more of an extended run than planned but it worked well until the 2nd half where he tired & Joel Selwood got another crack at AFL football, turning in his best performance yet despite being in the stands seconds before the bounce eating a Mars bar.
Geelong started comfortably with Hawkins booting our first & Milburn playing on a forward flank added a 2nd before Brent Moloney (remember him?) kicked two nice goals in the space of a minute to pull Melbourne back in the game. Melbourne's thoughtless gameplan of bombing it long into a forward line devoid of its usual key forwards unsurprisingly didn't work and we took control of the game, only bad kicking stopped it from being a massacre in the first 30 minutes. Still, we went into the huddle up by 25 points.
Melbourne finally stopped bombing it in long in the 2nd quarter, but it didn't do them any favours as there midfield, lacking targets, just mucked around with the sherrin and ultimately turned it over while we were once again rebounding out of half back via Bartel, Wojcinski, Enright & Scarlett. Brad Green was swung forward and played a lone hand for them, despite Scarlett being a good match up we kept Josh Hunt on him as Scarlett was providing too much on the counter to stick him back in the square. Shockingly we managed to kick straight via Tom Hawkins booting 3 and it was almost game over as we went into the half time up by 46 points.
Not much to report in the 2nd half, we knew we had the game under control and that changed our mentality. Melbourne also flooded back late in the game to limit the damage. If we hadn't kicked 1.9 in the last quarter we would have won by 100 and probably deservedly so.
Jimmy Bartel was easily the best player on the field, racking up 35 touches, taking some great grabs in defense and getting forward to kick our only last quarter goal. Brent Prismall played the best game of his short AFL career gathing 20 odd classy touches and slotting 3 composed goals. Gazza was well, Gazza while David Johnson kept Aaron Davey incredibly quiet. Chappy was his nuggety self as usual, while Mark Blake has come on in leaps & bounds since Round 1. You could visibly see his confidence going through the roof as he set off on runs, sold dummys to midfielders and even broke a tackle! Lastly as mentioned before Tomahawk was great in the first half kicking 4.1 and dishing off a goal to Prismall in the 3rd quarter.
Geelongblog.com Player of The Year
Round 3:
5. James Bartel
4. Brent Prismall
2.5. David Johnson
2.5. Gary Ablett
0.5. Paul Chapman
0.5. Mark Blake
Leaderboard:
1. Nathan Ablett - 7
1. Jimmy Bartel - 7
3. David Wojcinski - 6
4. Gary Ablett - 5.5
5. Corey Enright - 5
6. Paul Chapman - 4.5
7. Brent Prismall - 4
8. David Johnson - 2.5
9. Matthew Scarlett - 2
10. Cameron Mooney - 1
11. Mark Blake - 0.5
Next week it is off to Tassie to face Hawthorn on Sunday. We certainly owe Hawthorn one after last season where they thumped us twice. They always seem to shut down our gameplan so this is definitely going to be a hard match for us travelling to Tasmania for the first time.
Posted by Sammy D at 12:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 12, 2007
Water of Life
Its was only one game and one loss early in the season but R1 was not an ideal start when the GFC is in membership recruitment mode. Its only one game but one could sense the doubts staring to creep into the publics mindset. Could all the effort rebuilding the club be a wasted effort? Could it be that our kids just aren’t as good as we had been lead to believe? The media was just about ready to go nuts and Thompson was right on a razors edge , Geelong need to do something stop the rot before it really got rolling.. In a football club the Water of Life is talent , Geelong the town might be in the middle of a big dry but Geelong the footy club needed to show that there was plenty of liquidity in their talent dam and they need to do it immediately.
One area I’ve had question about our talent depth is our rucks. King has the resilience of a Royal Dalton gravy boat , Ottens a fine ruckman when not sucking in more air than a Hoover upright , Blake the project FatherSon who’s movement thru the midfield looks as appetizing as a wet and saggy Fillet of Fish and the last man in West who hasn’t even made it to the A’s yet. To me the four of the represent about as much depth as the kiddies pool at Eastern Beach , hardly the stuff to turn around negativity.
So when Blake lined up against Cloke I felt it was a big night for the apprentice “Tap Master”. Blake went up for the first bounce , won the first tap and proceed to win nearly everyone there after for the rest of the night. He was dominant in the centre circle giving the Geelong’s centre bounce mids more “first ball” use than they have been used to for some time.
This is all good news for Geelong and Blake because he really needed to start rewarding the faith that’s been placed in him and he need to show that he could carve up a rookie ruckman like Cloke. Sure he made some fluffs around the ground but the positives far outweighed the negatives. Maybe , just maybe the rucks stocks aren’t so shallow after all but lets wait to see when the opposition is a little stronger than the Carlton rucks.
The Usual Suspect played well in the middle. Ling was back to being the defensive “Full Stop”, closing down Stevens. Corey, Gablett, Chapman and Bartel all made the most of Blake and Ottens. Nothing new from the talent dam here , you might think but Prismall and young Selwood showed plenty to think they both have a big future. Prismall is really starting to lock down his spot , his footwork to setup Varcoe 2nd goal was worthy of Dancing with Stars. Selwood is struggling with the pace of the AFL game but considering the base he has come from he really has done extremely well.
Of course , nothing can be as revitalising as when the talent dam supplies some fresh goal kicking superstars. Although not brand new Nathan Ablett across the half forwardline created plenty of muck and mire for the Blue Baggers. His leads where quick , his hands where soft and sticky and his dual sided kicking ability gives him a lethal weapon There have been some who doubted his ability , there have been some who doubted his mental capacity or dedication but I doubt there would be many left now who think this kid is anything other than a potential star. To play like he did , after 13 games makes one drool for what he will be like with another 30 or 40 in him.
Then there was Tom. The pre-game build up was big , to have a nickname uniformly used in one’s first game is very unusual. “He had hardly played” the experts said , “it’s like throwing the lamb to the wolves”. But he played not like a raw kid overwhelmed but a kid who had been mentally ready to play for some time. Its not so much that he did heaps its just the way he did what he did. He contributed 3 goals from marks but none were gimme goals and all the set shots were good strikes. He took a couple of strong grabs and showed enough awareness to see other players around him and bring them into the play. To see him is to know we will not be thirsty for a Full Forward for some time.
Varcoe the other newbe showed the type of flash that will make him a crowd favourite at Cattery. I loved his little lasso move after his second goal , the exuberance , the love of the moment is great to see. Sure he might be raw but the side step to kick his first and the effort to get room for his second showed he is a dangerous asset. He has speed , he has flair and he has the type of gloss we need.
And that’s not all , a quick look in the VFL showed plenty of kids that have just started their football journey.
So , in the space of 2 hours Geelong turned around a building vibe and has reminded all , including myself, that just like the Dogs and the Eagles we have some pretty handy players and some pretty handy young kids. For the moment , the doubt has been washed away by the excitement of goals generated by a very youthful team , their performance has given rise to fresh hope that Geelong’s future may be bright. Which is a good thing because Geelong’s support has been faithful for a long, long time and its time for the drought to end for Geelong the footy team as much as Geelong the town.
Posted by Turbocat at 07:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Round 3 - Melbourne v Geelong
Sunday, 2:10pm AEST, MCG
Teams:
MELBOURNE
B: Holland, Carroll, Whelan
HB: Ward, Wheatley, Bell
C: Moloney, McDonald, Green
HF: Bruce, Miller, Bate
F: Godfrey, Jamar, Davey
FOLL: White, Jones, Johnstone
I/C from: Yze, C.Johnson, Brown, Bizzell, P.Johnson, Ferguson, Petterd
IN: P.Johnson, Bizzell, Ferguson, Yze, Holland, Petterd
OUT: D.Neitz [medial ligament], R.Robertson [knee], J.Rivers [hamstring soreness]
NEW: Ricky Petterd [18yrs, 185cm, 78kg] – Broadbeach QLD, AIS – AFL Academy Graduate, won Harrison Medal for best player in Div 2 NAB National Under 18 Championships in 2007, QLD U18 Captain. Utility player
GEELONG
B: Mackie, Scarlett, Enright
HB: J.Hunt, Egan, Milburn
C: Wojcinski, Bartel, Byrnes
HF: Chapman, Mooney, Kelly
F: N.Ablett, Ottens, G.Ablett
FOLL: Blake, Ling, Corey
I/C from: Gardiner, Prismall, Hawkins, Varcoe, D.Johnson, Selwood, Tenace
IN: D.Johnson, Tenace, Kelly
OUT: -
Field umpires: Ellis, Hendrie, Avon
____________________________________________
“As for Geelong, its big-men deficiencies were highlighted again…”
- Lyall Johnson, The Age, April 2, 2007
“With Nathan Ablett, Mooney and Hawkins all combining, the Cats' prayers for genuine firepower in attack may finally have been answered.”
- Martin Boulton, The Age, April 8, 2007
Although close to the most overused cliché in football, judging by the polarity of the above quotes, a week really is a long time in footy.
Geelong will enter into its match with Melbourne this week on a crest of confidence and youthful exuberance. Just two weeks prior, the knives were out for a team that looked to have learnt nothing and failed to improve on its highly disappointing 2006.
There’s no doubt that the injection of Hawkins and Varcoe gave Geelong a spark against Carlton on Saturday. Hawkins gave the team and fans a glimpse of the Hummer that will be parked in the goalsquare for the next decade, while Varcoe added a new dimension to a Cats forward line that has looked one-dimensional and unimaginative.
Nathan Ablett has turned a corner. Wayne Carey commented earlier this week that the 21 year old now exhibited a “strut” in his movement around the forward line. That’s called confidence. Plenty of pundits neglect the fact that just four seasons ago, Ablett was running around in the under 18 competition of the Bellarine Football League. But what he lacks in traditional football background, he clearly makes up for in genes.
Looking forward to Sunday, Geelong look to have Melbourne covered in all areas of the ground.
Melbourne, like most teams, will struggle to account for Geelong’s three tall forwards, given adequate supply from the Geelong midfield. The loss of Rivers to a hamstring strain will further magnify the issue. Carroll will probably get Mooney but Ben Holland and Wheatley will have to battle a combination of Nathan Ablett, Ottens and Hawkins.
Through the midfield, Geelong with Bartel, Corey and Chapman probably tips the form scales against McDonald, Jones and Johnstone. Brent Moloney, as always, will be keen to impress against his old side, but Melbourne will need to see improvement from stars Johnstone and Bruce if they are to make a match of it against Geelong.
With Neitz and Robertson on the sidelines, the jobs of the Matthews - Scarlett and Egan - become a whole lot easier. Melbourne will play a resting ruckman up forward but be it White or Jamar, they will need to contend with the in form Egan. With Ben Holland required in defence, someone will be unlucky to be lining up against a rampaging Scarlett fresh from making light work of the reigning Coleman Medallist. Not only will Melbourne need Miller to continue his good form, but they will also look to their midfield to manufacture some extra goals.
But despite the paper match-ups, Geelong must not treat the upcoming game lightly.
No one could deny Melbourne have made a poor start to season 2007. A defeat at the hands of St Kilda in the season opener and another loss to the up and coming Hawthorn have placed the Demons in a near-desperate situation. The loss of skipper Neitz, Robertson and Rivers have added to their woes and will make kicking a winning score (and defending one) a near impossible task.
But recent encounters between these sides have produced close-run results. Aside from Geelong’s 55 point demolition of Melbourne in the Elimination Final of 2005, the previous three encounters between the teams have produced a draw and two wins to Melbourne – one by six points and one by one point.
The closeness of recent encounters combined with Geelong’s notorious unreliability when it comes to matches they “should” win, is the only uncertainty over the upcoming result.
That said, you can only tip on form and on form alone, Geelong should prevail.
Geelong by 40 points.
Posted by catempire at 06:42 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 10, 2007
Kids in the spotlight as Cats flog Blues
GEELONG 4.6 10.8 19.13 24.18 (162)
CARLTON 3.2 5.6 7.9 12.12 (84)
GOALS: Geelong: C Mooney 5 N Ablett 5 T Hawkins 3 G Ablett 2 T Varcoe 2 C Ling 2 B Ottens J Hunt J Selwood S Byrnes D Wojcinski. Carlton: E Betts 3 B Fisher 2 A Carrazzo 2 A Walker M Murphy L Whitnall C Ackland N Stevens.
BEST: Geelong: G Ablett D Wojcinski M Scarlett B Ottens J Bartel S Byrnes N Ablett. Carlton: M Murphy A Walker H Scotland.
INJURIES: Geelong: D Johnson (shoulder) replaced in selected side by J Hunt. Carlton: J Russell (cut head).
REPORTS: Nil.
CROWD: 41,113 at Telstra Dome.
Geelong were rarely threatened by a disappointing Carlton side at Telstra Dome on Saturday night. Stung into life after a tough week in the media following a loss to the Bulldogs in round 1 the Cats lead from start to finish in match where high scoring, fast flowing football was abundant.
Geelong's dominance in the ruck and electrifying run out of the defence wasn't fully rewarded until late in the second quarter as missed opportunities were squandered early by a variety of Geelong players allowing Carlton to stay in touch despite being outplayed in many facets of the game and Brendan Fevola being kept tight by Matty Scarlett.
Coming out of half time with a healthy lead a 9 goal blast in the 3rd quarter put the result beyond doubt as Carlton showed little to no resistance to the Cats onslaught. Geelong were allowed to do as they pleased slamming home the first five goals of the quarter in about as many minutes.
Things were getting extremely embarrassing for the NAB Cup winners as the lead ballooned out to 99 points in the last quarter, but Eddie Betts added some late respectability to the scoreboard as the Cats took the foot off the pedal much to Mark Thompson's & cat fans disappointment.
The tall trio of Mooney, Nathan Ablett & much publicised debutant Tom Hawkins ran riot up forward kicking 13 goals between them. Hawkins & Ablett providing a look into the future of the club which would have Cats fans drooling at the prospect of them playing together in the long term.
But it was the midfield & run from the backline that set the victory up. Ottens & Blake smashed lightweights Cameron Cloke & Cain Akland in the ruck contests giving the Geelong midfielders first use out of the centre. Ablett, Bartel & Joel Corey got leather posioning in the middle as Ling took Nick Stevens out of the game with a decent tagging job. While David Wojcinski was brilliant running off the half back flank breaking the game wide open.
Carlton were too one dimensional going forward spending most of their efforts inside 50 looking for spearhead Brendan Fevola who was double, sometimes triple teamed by Scarlett, Milburn and various assisting midfielders dropping back infront of his leads.
Of the kids Varcoe looks desperate and composed slotting two beautiful goals, Nathan Ablett showed what he can do at AFL level kicking 5 and setting up many more while Hawkins was the icing on the cake showing off his excellent hands and slotting 3 second half goals. The massive lead allowed Selwood to get some valuable minutes in the middle where he showed some promise once settling down.
Geelong now look forward to an injury ravaged Demons side on Sunday at the MCG.
Geelongblog.com Player of The Year
Round 2:
5. David Wojcinski
4. Nathan Ablett
3. Gary Ablett
2. Matthew Scarlett
1. Cameron Mooney
Leaderboard:
1. Nathan Ablett - 7
2. David Wojcinski - 6
3. Corey Enright - 5
4. Paul Chapman - 4
5. Gary Ablett - 3
6. Jimmy Bartel - 2
6. Matthew Scarlett - 2
8. Cameron Mooney - 1
Posted by Sammy D at 09:40 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 06, 2007
Round 2: Geelong v Carlton
Sunday 7 April, 2:10pm
Telstra Dome
Teams:
Geelong
B: Mackie Scarlett Enright
HB: D Johnson Egan Milburn
C: Wojcinski Bartel Byrnes
HF: Chapman Mooney Selwood
F: Gardiner Ottens G Ablett
FOLL: Blake Corey Rover: Ling
I/C: N Ablett Hawkins Varcoe Prismall
EMER: J Hunt S Hunt Tenace
IN: Byrnes Hawkins Varcoe
OUT: Harley (finger) J Hunt Tenace
NEW: Tom Hawkins, 18, Sandringham U18; Travis Varcoe, 18, Central District (SA)
Carlton
B: Houlihan O'hAilpin Thornton
HB: Scotland Whitnall Walker
C: Simpson Stevens Lappin
HF: Carrazzo Waite Fisher
F: Kennedy Fevola Betts
FOLL: Cloke Bentick Rover: Murphy
I/C: Ackland Gibbs Russell Wiggins
EMER: Blackwell Grigg Hartlett
IN: Nil
OUT: Nil
It seems every match Geelong plays at the moment is a test. A telling game. It will speak volumes about whether the post season review of 2006 hit the mark and whether the changes implemented over summer have had any traction.
This week is no different.
Geelong comes up against a Carlton side which will be carrying itself confidently. After taking home its second pre-season flag in three years, Carlton managed to overcome Richmond in round 1 after initially having some difficulties.
It was really only a half hour period beginning half way through the third quarter in which Carlton were able to brush Richmond aside. In that time they piled on 7.9 to Richmond's 1.3. Carlton's midfield and running game clicked, with Nick Stevens leading the way. Cameron Ling will no doubt stand at Stevens' side at some point on Saturday night.
Carlton are very Fevola-conscious, perhaps too much so for a team not short of scoring options. They looked for the Shag on no less than 22 occasions against the Tigers and Geelong will be expecting much the same again. Matthew Scarlett, after having a forgettable game against the Bulldogs, will be looking to make amends against his old friend and foe. But Scarlett will need plenty of help from his team mates to occupy space and to run to the “hot spots” which Carlton will go to when a leading option doesn't avail.
The big inclusions for Geelong this week are prize recruits Tom Hawkins and Travis Varcoe. Clearly recognising that the forward structure against the Bulldogs did not work, the selection panel at the Cattery have looked to Hawkins and Varcoe to breath new life. Hawkins' inclusion will release Brad Ottens to the ruck in what could prove to be a match-winning move. Ottens was poor in Geelong's forward line last week but the former All-Australian plays a great deal of football at the stoppages. Facing up against the under qualified duo of Ackland and Cloke, it is unlikely he'll get a better opportunity to stamp his mark on a game.
Once again this is a game that will be won in the midfield. Carlton's Stevens, Walker, Carrazzo, Bentick, Murphy and Gibbs up against Geelong's Ling, Bartel, Corey, Enright, Prismall and Selwood. On paper they are evenly matched, perhaps Carlton having an advantage in speed with Geelong taking the points in experience. Both teams will look to run hard, move the ball quickly and find space. The winning team will have managed to do this better.
One gets the feeling that Carlton are still closer to a bottom than a top of the ladder side. If Geelong struggles to overcome the Blues, the blowtorch and pitchforks will be out in force. On the other hand, a strong win would give fans hope that last week was merely a sub-par game against quality opposition.
Simply looking at prior results – Geelong has beaten Carlton 4 out of the past 5 occasions by an average of 58 points – and taking into account the calibre of opposition that the sides played last week, the balance is tipped in Geelong's favour. An upset would not totally surprise, but the signs point to a Cat win. Geelong by 19 points.
Posted by catempire at 12:52 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 04, 2007
Harley out for 6 weeks
Finger sidelines HarleyGeelong skipper Tom Harley will be sidelined for up to six weeks after undergoing hand surgery on Monday.
Harley suffered a ruptured tendon in his left hand in Sunday’s clash with the Western Bulldogs. He visited a specialist today and was immediately scheduled for surgery.
“There was a chance that Tom could have battled through the season with the injury, but the specialist felt he would need to have it operated on before the end of the season so the best decision was to have it done now,” Geelong’s general manager of football operations Neil Balme said.
“Obviously he’s disappointed, as we are, but injuries are part of the game and we just have to deal with it.”
The other major concern coming out of the game was a shoulder injury sustained by defender David Johnson. He will have scans on the shoulder today.
This is a big blow for the side as it leaves a gap for either Sam Hunt, Playfair or Spencer to come in. All who are no where as reliable as Tom Harley. Other effects is Cameron Ling is almost certain to be captain over this period. Whether he is the man for the job is yet to be seen as in my book he'd be on the fringe of our best 22 at the moment.
Posted by Sammy D at 12:03 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 03, 2007
If its only a job then its just about time to clock off
BomberT recently did an interview with Mike Sheehan. The gist of it was basically that he would do the coaching role as well as he could but in the end its only a job and if the results don’t fall our way and he is asked to move on then he will be happy to start a new aspect of his life without footy.
How terribly sensible of him. How awfully level headed of him. How dreadfully cool of him. It sort of sounds like he is emotionally dispersed and has more things on his mind than coaching footy. Now for a normal Joe Blow , that would be fine but for a man in his position , I’m not so sure.
Footballs life blood is passion. It the passion that gives the game its edge over just being a game of kicking a pig skin full of air around. The rivalries , the colours , the clubs , the interest in the game is driven by passion. To be involved at AFL level is not a thing to be pedestrian about , you must have a burning ache for it , you must yearn for it , you must be preoccupied by it. The passion helps to filters out the eternal influences and without passion it’s a highly paid task where the price of involvement can be harsh. Its not an occupation to just roll up and clock on because its just so hard , just so competitive , with so much focus on performance that with out the burning need to be involved , one will struggle to survive it whole let alone reach the level of the elite.
Now maybe Mark is a little bit shell shocked , maybe after his footballing life at Essendon and the success he tasted , the Geelong experience has been a tad too stressful for the poor chap. Maybe the complications of a full time football involvement have driven a nasty little thorn into his non football time , ensuring the pressure has no relief away from the club. What ever the reason I have to wonder about a public admission that the coaching of an AFL club is thought of as basically a “paid gig”. One might even wonder if he feels like that then is he mentally half way out the door?
Look no one doubts the consequences and the continual pressure of positions like a Prime Minister or the Australian Cricket Captain or an AFL coach. Tough positions and in tough times they are even tougher and no matter the hardness of the rock time will weather it. Eight years at a job like coaching is a long time and maybe the man hasn’t got much left in the tank. Maybe the Timex is winding down or losing its ticker all together or maybe he has just lost the taste for the fight and almost wants to throw in the towel but cant bring himself to do it. He has pride our Mark. To quit , I’m sure , would be like trying to swallow a big fat horse pill with no water. So what to do then ? Stay tough , hang in there, tough times don’t last but tough people do… but meanwhile it may just pay to give oneself a little mental out. “Its only a job” , the man said. He may as well said ‘I will not be defined by things outside of my control’, ‘I will not be blamed for failure when I have tried my best ‘, ‘I will not admit that I have failed and I have run out of ideas’ Its sort of like being stuck in a passionless marriage but hanging in there for the kids. A recipe to ensure pain and dissatisfaction.
I wonder what a coaches reaction would be to a player who said its only a job.
“Hey coach I’m feelin' a bit yucky today and I’d rather be recuperating down at the beach. Don’t start with this ‘Play for the jumper’ and dedication crap , all right, because this is just a business and I’m an employee. I’m always sick or sore and its don’t go here, don’t eat this , don’t do that . I used to love footy but this is just a job and I can take it or leave it. Really , if it didn’t pay so friggin much there’s no way I’d put up with your continual nagging. So what do you say can I go to the beach?” Something tells me the coach would tell the player where to step off. He would tell him that in the world of AFL , there is no room for someone less 100% committed , body and soul. I think he would try to demonstrate to him that life in the AFL is not just a job but a profession and if your not willing to be emotionally committed then your not being professional.
Posted by Turbocat at 10:11 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
April 02, 2007
Johnson, Brad makes Cats look bad
WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.5 11.7 15.8 17.11 (113)
GEELONG 5.3 7.9 8.13 13.15 (93)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: B Johnson 8, Cooney 2, Giansiracusa 2, Gilbee, Akermanis, Hargrave, Darcy, Murphy. Geelong: Mooney 3, N Ablett 3, Wojcinski 2, Bartel, Mackie, Gardiner, G Ablett, Chapman.
BEST: Western Bulldogs: B Johnson, Cross, Gilbee, Cooney, Griffen. Geelong: Enright, Bartel, Chapman, N Ablett, Wojcinski.
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: Montgomery (shoulder/ribs), Murphy (hip). Geelong: Byrnes (ankle) replaced in selected side by Tenace, Johnson (shoulder).
UMPIRES: Donlon, Margetts, Meredith.
CROWD: 42,626 at Telstra Dome.
Geelong's low-key approach to 2007 is in no danger of having its lid blown off after being humbled by the Bulldogs at the Telstra Dome yesterday.
Brad Johnson, with 8 goals, starred for the Bulldogs with the Cats having no answer to the reigning All Australian. Both Scarlett and skipper Tom Harley had their chance but were made to look second rate as Johnson ran rampant.
It was a more polished and well-drilled Bulldogs outfit that had Geelong's measure.
The Bulldogs jumped out of the blocks with a goal to Adam Cooney who managed to find himself free inside forward 50. But Geelong responded quickly through the maligned Charlie Gardiner. The teams traded goals for the remainder of the quarter with the Cats retaining a narrow lead at the first break.
It was the second quarter where the Bulldogs took charge, slamming on seven goals, four of which came from Brad Johnson who had five to half time. Geelong on the other hand, wasted opportunities in front of goal, kicking 2.6 for the quarter. Wojcinski, Scarlett, Prismall and Nathan Ablett played villains as they wasted relatively easy shots at goal.
The Bulldogs extended their lead in the third stanza, Brad Johnson had his sights on double figures by adding his sixth. Geelong had little to be pleased about, although the form of Nathan Ablett who was lively in kicking three goals, will give Geelong some optimism about their potency. Conversely, the impact of Brad Ottens, who spent significant periods in the ruck relieving Mark Blake, was disappointing. He failed to kick a goal in a match where he enjoyed a clear advantage over younger and less physically mature opponents.
The Dogs were driven through the midfield by Cross and West who led the way with 66 possessions between them, while Chapman, Bartel and Enright served the Cats well.
Geelong set out in the last quarter, 37 points behind, to gain some respectability. While Brad Johnson continued his dominance, taking his tally to 8, the Cats were able to claw their way back to a 21 point final margin. It could be argued that the Dogs took their foot off the pedal but regardless it was important for Geelong to show something and they did.
Geelong will look forward to an opportunity to make amends next week against Carlton.
Geelongblog.com Player of The Year
C Enright 5
P Chapman 4
N Ablett 3
J Bartel 2
D Wojcinski 1
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