The Case for Geelong
September 22nd 2008 09:00
On the odd chance that their 41 wins from 43 games doesn’t convince you, we better take a look at how the Cats have managed to achieve them.
Less reliance on marking forwards
The thing about Geelong’s forwardline is that the tall, strong marking players are good enough. You wouldn’t complain about Mooney and Lonergan patrolling your attacking 50, unless perhaps you were a Brisbane fan. But on the likely chance that no pack mark is taken, they have Johnson, Stokes, Chapman or Ablett waiting to swoop. Not to mention several goalkicking midfielders. That’s dangerous, and no side has enough small key defenders to match them.
Experience on the big stage
The Cats have proven themselves in finals footy, both when the going is tough (see the Preliminary Final last year) and when it is supposed to be (see the Grand Final last year). It takes some kind of composure to play good enough footy to end a Grand Final by half time!
A better ruck division
While Hawthorn’s ruck stocks are undoubtedly solid, the Cats’ Ottens/Blake combo is first class and gives the likes of Bartel, Ablett, Corey and Selwood a good chance of getting their hands on the ball first. Since both teams are impeccable with their skills, clearances will be all too important in determining the winner.
The last quarter
Geelong finish games better than any other team. Corey is the final term specialist. Unless the Hawks find themselves beyond four goals ahead at three quarter time, the Cats will be roaring favourites.
A proven formula
Geelong can carry their win over the Hawks in round 17 into this game as a huge boost. It was widely tipped to be a Grand Final preview, and the reigning premiers did enough to beat the ‘cluster’ and pressure Hawthorn’s defence – without the imposing figure of Ablett on the field.
Less reliance on marking forwards
The thing about Geelong’s forwardline is that the tall, strong marking players are good enough. You wouldn’t complain about Mooney and Lonergan patrolling your attacking 50, unless perhaps you were a Brisbane fan. But on the likely chance that no pack mark is taken, they have Johnson, Stokes, Chapman or Ablett waiting to swoop. Not to mention several goalkicking midfielders. That’s dangerous, and no side has enough small key defenders to match them.
Experience on the big stage
The Cats have proven themselves in finals footy, both when the going is tough (see the Preliminary Final last year) and when it is supposed to be (see the Grand Final last year). It takes some kind of composure to play good enough footy to end a Grand Final by half time!
A better ruck division
While Hawthorn’s ruck stocks are undoubtedly solid, the Cats’ Ottens/Blake combo is first class and gives the likes of Bartel, Ablett, Corey and Selwood a good chance of getting their hands on the ball first. Since both teams are impeccable with their skills, clearances will be all too important in determining the winner.
The last quarter
Geelong finish games better than any other team. Corey is the final term specialist. Unless the Hawks find themselves beyond four goals ahead at three quarter time, the Cats will be roaring favourites.
A proven formula
Geelong can carry their win over the Hawks in round 17 into this game as a huge boost. It was widely tipped to be a Grand Final preview, and the reigning premiers did enough to beat the ‘cluster’ and pressure Hawthorn’s defence – without the imposing figure of Ablett on the field.
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Comment by Lady Henrietta Muddling
Potter in a Harry
I'm salivating at the prospect of this match being something like that. Close all day. No time to catch your breath. Over in what seems like 5 mins because it's so engrossing/absorbing.
Geelong's comeback attempt in the 89 g/f was great but it doesn't rate compared to a close contest all match long. I mean, Geelong were never going to win that. you knew that before the siren sounded. You knew they didn't hav the time. But the 05 g/f. You didn't have a clue who was going to win until the siren went.
I just can't back anyone against this Geelong team regardless of how good the Hawks are playing atm.
And I don't follow either of these teams.