No. 30 Matthew Scarlett

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
The Herald Sun

Item-
Updated News

Honest Matty leads way from Full- Back.
Gary Ablett Jnr.
01June08


Not in the leadership group but Scarlett is arguably Geelong's most respected leader.

STOP him and you'll stop Geelong. The greatest full-back of all time - there have been some huge wraps on Matthew Scarlett this season.

Which is probably due recognition for a guy who has developed into a such champion player.

My theory about what takes "Scatty" to that elite level is that he is an ultra-competitive guy in everything he does. He is the guy who never gets beaten in the one-on-one drills. If someone does get the better of him, he's filthy.

It's the same in a match: if he gets one goal kicked on him he fumes. When the ball falls anywhere around his area he wants to be the one who gets it, he just doesn't want to lose any contest.

If his opponent kicks a few on him one week, he'll be seething about letting the team down, and you can almost back it in that he'll thrash his opponent the next weekend.

You even see it at training. If somebody fumbles, Scatty will take the opportunity to grab the bloke and throw him to the ground.

Tell him we're not here to muck around, and if you're going to fumble you're going to pay for it, so don't fumble next time.

Having said that, he is not only about shutting down his opponent; he's made sure he's worked on his attacking side, too, and is always looking to give us a bit of run and to take players on.

Most players love a goal, but I reckon he enjoys kicking one that little bit extra. And you don't want to miss him if he is open to have a shot!

It's also worth recognising the other guys in our back six. One thing that is rarely mentioned about our backline is that most of our more experienced players are back there.

They have grown up playing a lot of footy together, which means they do have a lot of respect for each other, and are determined not let each other down.

Another thing I associate with Scatty is his honesty. If he doesn't like the way you are doing something he will have no hesitation in telling you.

Because he's such a hard unit, he struggles to understand how anyone wouldn't give their all. If he felt someone was cutting corners, he would stand up and give it to them straight between the eyes.

It's great to have someone like that among the playing group and I reckon a lot of the guys appreciate that honesty.

They don't have to agree, but at least they get to hear it. By the same token, Scatty is honest when it's him in the wrong, too.

Some commentators have been into him for being a key player without taking on a captaincy role. He is not in the nominal leadership group, but you can still be a leader without a title.

He has never been a guy who is been big on media or marketing or corporate functions, he just likes leading the way on the field.

Away from footy, Matthew loves his golf, and is not on his own there. Steve Johnson, Kane Tenace, Josh Hunt, Paul Chapman and David Johnson are others who love to tee it up.

He's probably even more into American sport, and organises about 15 to 20 guys at the club with fantasy team leagues.

NBA basketball, baseball, NFL football, he's into them all, and it's not unusual to see the guys come straight off the track and on to the computer to check their scores.

Scatty will be sussing out how everyone's going and organising passwords or a player draft. He's been over to the States a few times and is on to Benny Graham, who has introduced him to a few of the players.

And he knows how to have fun. On the Monday after last year's Grand Final, the players had a fancy dress lunch. There were all sorts of weird outfits.

Scatty rocked up with a cardboard box on his head, and gaffer-taped various bits and pieces to his head as he went along.

From memory an aerosol can and a brush and pan were among the items he ad-libbed.

So, I couldn't tell you if he is a better full-back than Stephen Silvagni or David Dench. I couldn't tell you if he is Geelong's most important player.

But I can tell you the Geelong boys gave him the award for the best dressed at that premiership celebration, and that's one title Scatty would be happy enough to live with.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
PERSONAL

Item-
Performance Review

Opponent-
Rnd 10 @ Telestra Dome
v.


Statistics-
K: 3
H/B: 2
D: 5
DE%: 100.00%
r50: 2
T: 5

cp= contested possessions de%= disposal efficiency

Goals Conceded for the Match= 3
Goals Conceded for 2008= 15

Summary-
ITS A FUNNY GAME Australian Rules Football when a player can hold his opponent 2 possessions for 3 quarters of a match, and still concede 3 goals.
But, unfortunately such is the thankless nature of playing full- back.

Amidst a relatively mediocre build up to Saturday night's Round 10 match- up against Carlton, the Brendan Fevola versus Matthew Scarlett showdown provided a tantilising sub- plot that did not disappoint to a match where the result was essentially foregone before the balll was even bounced.

After the abboration against Collingwood a week earlier, the Cats players, inckuding Scarlett, promised an emphatic response, and respond they did with an emphatic 56 point drubbing of the Blues who were victims saved from a far more brutal massacre at the hands of Geelong's askew shooting at goal.

But Fevola and his evergreen Blues certainly weren't making the job easy early on.
Carlton came out of the blocks fully equipped with the intention of taking it to the powerhouse Cats. Their bold, exuberant brand of football, that has seen them come on in leaps and bounds thus far in season 2008, left Geelong at various stages early in the first qurter appearing the flappable unit that had taken to the field a week earlier.

As both teams exchanged unubaded attacking drives, The "Fev" was presenting problems for the game's best defender, expert pin point delivery rewarding his swift fleetness and speed off the mark. There was little Scarlett could do, such was the quality and quantity of delivery being awarded to the Carlton spearhead.

One statistic revealed the Blues had looked to Fevola when entering the forward 50, 6 times within the first 10 minutes, and fair to say he wasn't letting them down, bagging 2 goals and 2 other shots at goal within the opening quarter and 5 minutes to go with 7 possessions and 5 marks. Scarlett can count himself unlucky to give- up the 2nd goal, when he had his back turned as the ball fell into Fevola's arms after a shonky shot on goal by Kade Simpson.

It looked as if a big night was on the cards for arguably the game's current premier full- forward.

However, as the Cats wrestled back some ascendency through the midfield as did Scarlett over Fevola. What ensued was a riveting struggle between two superstar commodities. Scarlett hounded Fevola relentlessly, and after some early hiccups did not afford him an clean inch whether in a contested situation or on the move. One-on-one, Scarlett was immovable yet again.

Fev's influence was comprehensively engulfed by the consumate backman, who displayed a key lesson for all young defenders: never lose your cool in the face of overwhelming pressure, stick to your guns and you'll be rewarded.

It reached the point where the Blues most lethal attacking force was rendered literally unsighted until the closing moments of the evening, when he lead, marked and notched his third major of an excellent long- range missle pass from the boot of Marc Murphy. A junk- time gimmie.

It was his 1st and only possession after the 4 1/2 minute mark of the 2nd stanza.

Scarlett himself only got his hands on the ball a season low 5 times, but his strong physical presence in defence, highlighted by his 5 tackles, was crucial in Geelong's revitalised high pressure based game.

A bag of goals to Fevola was earmarked as the key to a potential upset for Carlton, Scarlett ensured it didn't happen. Enough said.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
The Age

Item-
Updated News

Scarlett a Cat for life after deal.
Jake Niall
03June08


Matthew Scarlett will finish his career as a one club player.

MAKING an exception to the rule of thumb for older players, Geelong is extending the contract of champion defender Matthew Scarlett until the end of 2011.

While the Brisbane Lions have baulked at Jonathan Brown's wish for a five-year deal, the Cats have agreed to terms on a deal that will keep Scarlett playing until beyond his 32nd birthday.

Scarlett, whom industry sources believe is Geelong's highest paid player ahead of Gary Ablett, was already contracted for 2009 when the club agreed to extend his contract by a further two years.

The extension gives Scarlett — who turns 29 this week — three more years after 2008; if this is a rarity for a player of his vintage, the full-back is a player of rare quality and durability.

Geelong's willingness to give him a further three years is not simply a show of faith in Scarlett's ability; there is a benefit for the club, in that his extra tenure is an implicit trade-off for accepting less than market rates later.

The fact that Scarlett will be eligible for veteran status next year, when he turns 30, is another significant factor in the extension; under the rules, only half of his salary will count under the salary cap from next year (and in 2010 and 2011), the same rule already applying to the club's sole listed veteran Darren Milburn.

Sources said the new Scarlett deal had the benefit of easing Geelong's salary cap squeeze and makes it easier to re-sign others, such as Joel Corey, who will be coming out of contract at the end of this season and has agreed to terms on a new three-year deal (2009-2011).

Paul Chapman is the only "name" player at Geelong who remains uncontracted for next year.

Scarlett is one of few key defenders in the game capable of earning the kind of wage — $600,000 plus — normally reserved for the better key forwards and elite midfielders.

Scarlett's excellent record of avoiding injury obviously is paramount in the club's decision to contract him well past his 30th birthday. He played 24 of 25 games in Geelong's premiership, missing once due to illness, and he has not missed a game this year. He was named among Geelong's best in each of its finals victories, finishing third in voting for the Norm Smith Medal.

Scarlett has conceded an average of slightly more than one goal a game this year — his opponent Brendan Fevola booted three on Saturday night — while averaging nearly 16 possessions a game in 2008. He has had more than 20 disposals in four games this season.

[Big Nasty]

I thought it was a good contest saturday night. Alot of people say Fev got the points, but like you said LLH he was getting the ball kicked down his throat every 2 minutes. Which makes it a challenge for the best defenders. However Scarlett did keep the Fev to only 3 goals.

"Scarlett a cat for life" was the best news I heard all week.
Although I knew he wasn't going anywhere, it was still good to know.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
The Geelong Advertiser

Item-
Updated News

Matthew Scarlett declares himself a Cat for Life.
Bradley Green
04June08


Matthew Scarlett battles Carlton's Brendan Fevola last weekend.

MATTHEW Scarlett hopes his long-term re-commitment to Geelong will set an example for his Cats' teammates to follow in future contract talks.

In another boost to Geelong's bid to keep the majority of its playing list together, Scarlett's manager Paul Connors confirmed the Cats' premiership defender had agreed to terms to extend his contract until the end of 2011.

Scarlett, who turns 29 tomorrow, was already signed until the end of next year.

But, this extension will virtually ensure the three-time All-Australian full-back plays out his career at Skilled Stadium.

"Matthew was keen to shore up his future and he's delighted," Connors said of Scarlett's new deal.

"He's a home-grown Geelong boy, he was recruited under the father-son rule and he loves the club."

While not discussing any figures of the new deal, Connors said that Scarlett had been "very, very accommodating" to Geelong during the negotiations".

Geelong has come under salary cap pressure to re-sign all its premiership stars, but will shortly have the luxury of having Scarlett, captain Tom Harley and Cam Mooney joining Darren Milburn on its veteran's list.

Under the rules of the veteran's list, only half of a player's salary counts under the club's salary cap.

Harley will be eligible for the list at the end of this year with Scarlett and Mooney 30 next year.

That move will make it easier for the Cats to re-sign players such as Steve Johnson and Mathew Stokes when their current contracts expire in coming seasons.

Scarlett, who made his AFL debut in the last round of the 1998 season and is closing in on 200 games, has emerged into one of the best full-backs in the modern era.

Geelong has re-signed rising stars Joel Selwood and Tom Hawkins, as well as Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly and Brad Ottens.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
GFC.com

Item-
Matthew Scarlett's weekly column

Scarlett's Web
Matthew Scarlett
05June08


Scarlett's Web, with champion full-back Matthew Scarlett

WELL, I've been copping it a little this past week from our media manager, Kevin Diggerson.

You see my NBA team, the Detroit Pistons, were knocked out of the title race at the second-last hurdle from Diggers' team, the Boston Celtics.

I'm a fanatical Pistons fans but I never really knew Diggers was a Celtics fan … until now. He reckons he's a Celtics fan, anyway.

I love most American sports and it was a few weeks back, while watching the NBA's draft lottery, that I thought the AFL should consider bringing in the same system over here.

The draft lottery was live on telly and a few of the Geelong boys were watching it.

I know I was, along with Jason Davenport and a couple of others.

It was while watching that a few of us commented just how good something like that would be for the AFL.

Towards the end of a year you get all this talk of tanking and all that kind of crap, it takes up so much focus in the media.

If we put the bottom half of the AFL's teams in a lottery, with the bottom sides having more balls and therefore a greater chance of getting the number one pick, I believe it would be a far better system.

It would be a great idea and great for the fans.

When my teammates and I were watching a few weeks back, the Chicago Bulls ended up with the No.1 Draft pick after going into the lottery with a 1.7 per cent chance of getting it.

Things like that don't happen often, as the lottery is weighted to give those lower on the ladder a better chance.

But, if introduced here for example, a team that finished ninth would have a chance.

That's another thing – it would give those teams that just missed the finals a chance of a reward.

I know the years we've just missed the finals we've never been close to having a top pick; we've always been around the middle of the pack.

The years that you just miss the final you'd at least like an opportunity to be in that lottery and, like the Chicago Bulls, get lucky and get the first pick.

Near the end of the season all teams down the bottom would know that and there would be greater incentive for clubs to keep winning and finish their seasons on a positive note.

These days, clubs are smart. It's probably not 'tanking' as sides are still trying to win. But if teams know they can't make finals they're blooding young guys and putting players in early for surgery.

If we changed the system, maybe we wouldn't have all this talk of teams tanking at the end of the year.

I'm sure the AFL is happy with the system it's got in place and if they were to ever consider a change it would be long after I've hung up my boots.

I can never see myself playing at any other club, so I was rapt when I recently shored up my future at the club.

There were no hassles in doing so, with the club and my manager sorting it out in a pretty short time.

I'm now signed up through until 2011, which will make me an old man at 32 when this contract finishes.

I've turned 29 this week, and the body still feels great.

Whether I'll be able to play on beyond that, well, who knows?

I guess the position I play means I don't have to run around as much as midfielders and guys like that.

But with AFL football, you never know. You have to make each day count.


The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
The Geelong Advertiser

Item-
Updated News

Scarlett Injury tests out defence
Michael Auciello
07June08


Matthew Scarlett on the sidelines last night.

GEELONG is likely to be without Matthew Scarlett for the next two weeks after the full back suffered a hamstring strain during the Cats' 13-point win over North Melbourne at Telstra Dome last night.

Scarlett came off the ground during the second quarter and did not return after half time, with Geelong coach Mark Thompson saying after the game that the All Australian would most likely not return until after the split round.

"(It hurt us) a fair bit," Thompson said.

"I didn't think the backline played well in the first half. I thought they, as much as anything, helped us win the game by the way they played in the second half without Matthew Scarlett.

"He might be out next week and might come back after the bye. It'll be a good test for us to play without him."

But last night will be remembered for another majestic performance by Brownlow Medal fancy Gary Ablett, whose ability to find and dispose of the ball reached epic proportions.

Ablett produced arguably the best individual quarter of his career in the first term to get the Cats up and running, picking up 14 touches in a scintillating quarter in which he had three clearances, five inside 50s and set up three goals.

One passage of play after another he made space where there wasn't any, bought time where it shouldn't have been possible, and hit targets with possessions that should never have made to his hand or boot.

Ed Lower had the job on Ablett, and would have been the most relieved man on the ground when the siren finally sounded.

Dean Laidley moved Brady Rawlings, who terrorised Ablett in round 20 last year, onto him, and at least started to restrict the damage, keeping him to seven touches in the second quarter.

Considering the first quarter, that might have been quite a victory.

Ablett's goal late in the third quarter, in which he pushed off Daniel Pratt, stepped around Sam Power and snapped a goal on his left-foot was nothing short of breathtaking, and a candidate for goal of the year.

He finished with 39 possessions and two goals and is sure to firm in Brownlow betting.

"His game was outstanding, wasn't it?" Thompson said.

Scarlett's absence had the Cats' backline stretched to the limit, following the omission of their other key defender Harry Taylor at the selection table.

It forced Thompson to move Tom Lonergan into the backline during the second quarter and smaller types such as Jimmy Bartel and Joel Corey had to work back defensively.

Tom Harley and Co. found the match-ups on a range of Kangaroo talls, including rotating ruckmen Hamish McIntosh and David Hale, while smalls Lindsay Thomas and Matt Campbell proved dangerous up forward.

Thompson praised the efforts of Harley, Andrew Mackie and Darren Milburn, who all had to go from playing on small-medium sized players to talls.

Lonergan's move to the backline during the term took nothing away from the Cats goal scoring ability, with Cameron Mooney back to his rampaging best.

Mooney had a career-high six goals midway through the third quarter, and was in brilliant touch playing firstly on Michael Firrito, and later on former VFL Cat Scott Thompson. He finished with seven for the night.

The ball moved freely from end to end throughout a game played at a frenetic pace, with plenty of goals, and both the second and third quarters going beyond 35 minutes.

The Kangaroos remained closer on the scoreboard than the game indicated and were in touch right to the end, getting back to within
seven points 17 minutes into the final term.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
PERSONAL

Item-
Performance Review

Opponent-
Rnd 11 @ Telestra Dome
v.


Statistics (from 1.5 quarters of play)-
K: 1
H/B: 2
D: 3
DE%: 100.00%

cp= contested possessions de%= disposal efficiency

Goals Conceded for the Match= 2
Goals Conceded for 2008= 17

Summary-
IT WAS A FANTASTIC WEEK that ended in disappointing fashion for Matthew Scarlett, in more ways than one.

After agreeing to a lucurative 3- year contract extension on Tuesday that will see him play out the remainder of his career at Skilled Stadium, hearing the news on Wednesday that his usual nemesis Nathan Thompson would take no part for the Kangaroos against Geelong, then celebrating his 29th birthday on Thursday, one could have assumed the full- back had the gods smiling upon him when he hit Telestra Dome last Friday evening.

It would appear however, that matches after signing "on the dotted line" have become a bogey for Scarlo, as he performed well and truly below par in spite of North Melbourne presenting with a more than depleted forward half.

Scarlett's last contract renewal came about early in 2006. After agreeing to a 3- year deal at an estimated $1.6 million, the mighty defender failed to show such worth in a head-to-head with Barry Hall at Telestra Stadium, Hall was best afield in 22 point win, Scarlett conceding 3 goals (of 4) and enduring a torrid affair coming back from suspension.

Friday against the "never say die" Kangas threatened to bring Scarlett as much misery on field, as the Roos makeshift attack caused headaches for the typically vaunted Cat defence.

Of the few weaknesses present within Scarlett's arsenal, defending tall, agile resting ruckman can prove to be one of them. Scarlett who stands at just 192cm seems to never look comfortable when stationed against an opposing ruck (who would typically measure in at 198cm).

With Thompson out, as mentioned, it was the unknown 201cm and 105kg David Hale who started the match at full- forward. On paper, a clear cut win to the champion defender, but that was not to be as Hale within minutes, outmarked Scarlett in a contest running at the ball and goaled.

Later in the first quarter, Hale's athleticism caught Scarlett out running back towards goal as he gave away a sloppy free kick and was lucky to be save by an advantage paid goal to Lindsay Thomas.

In the 2nd term, the crowd was again left in bewilderment as Hale comfortably outpointed Scarlett in yet another one-on-one to bag his second goal. As North Melbourne streamed forward, putting the ball to the top of the square, Scarlett wrestled Hale into what appeared to be a subversed position. The full- back, assuming his man was out of the contest went for the mark, only for the full- forward to spring up from nowhere and pluck it from his fingers.

Hale's height and nutural ruck play athleticism had Scarlett on the backfoot, struggling to settle in and defend against such attributes.

The Cats would go on to win the match and never really look like losing despite the 13 point margin, without Scarlett who left the field mid way through the 2nd quarter with a minor hamstring injury, which looks set to sideline him for 1-3 weeks.

Scarlett's mere presence is a huge part of the success of Geelong's back six. Like a defensive lineman in American Football, he can go a whole game without registering any significant influence, but his role in occupying the best attacker and marshalling those around him is enough to disrupt opposing forward lines. Scarlett is the general of Geelong and it will be interesting to see how Harley, Milburn, Taylor and co. cope without their doyen.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
GFC.com

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Updated News

Geelong's defence faces tough task.
Ben Broad
11June08


Matthew Scarlett will be missing from the Geelong backline.

GEELONG’S much-vaunted defence will be given one of its biggest tests in years this weekend, according to the man entrusted with managing the back half on match day.

Cats defensive coach and former club best and fairest winner Brenton Sanderson says the absence of champion full-back Matthew Scarlett will put extra responsibility on those left to fill the void.

The reigning premiers face Port Adelaide at Skilled Stadium on Sunday minus their two key defenders of 2007.

But while the Cats have known and been able to plan for Matthew Egan’s long-term lay-off, for at least the next fortnight they will have to get by without the services of three-time All-Australian Scarlett.

Scarlett, the general of the Cats’ backline, won’t be present against the Power after tearing a hamstring against North Melbourne last Friday night.

“He’s almost impossible to replace because he’s obviously such a brilliant player,” Sanderson said.

Scarlett has missed seven games since becoming a regular in the Geelong side in 2000 and just three matches since mid-way through the 2001 season.

Sanderson said while Geelong skipper Tom Harley would be marshalling the side, Scarlett’s absence was a chance for the Cats’ back six to show the footy world they were not reliant on the man some have dubbed the greatest full-back of the modern era to lead them each week.

“This produces a new challenge for them and I guess their leader’s going to be out, their defensive leader,” Sanderson said.

“Scarlo obviously runs that backline. Not that they’ll speak about it or anything but I’m sure that they’ll all be aware that they all have to just stand up a little bit more.

“If we can get a small lift from those guys … I’m sure we’ll take it right up to Port.”

This weekend, against a Port Adelaide forward structure featuring the likes of Warren Tredrea, Daniel Motlop, Brett Ebert and Justin Westhoff, the Cats will look to others to lead its defence which has been one of the stingiest of the AFL in recent years.

While experienced duo Darren Milburn and Harley will be there, Sanderson says the workload might have to be more evenly shared.

Sanderson said Harry Taylor and Josh Hunt were likely to come into the side that beat North Melbourne last week, but despite their inclusions the Cats were wary of a dangerous Power side.

“We’ve still got a lot of experience back there. We’ve still got the foundations there for a very strong backline but it’s a real challenge for us without Egan and Scarlett back there.”

Sanderson admitted the Cats had difficulty countering North Melbourne’s tall forwards last week, with David Hale and Drew Petrie causing headaches at different stages.

Port Adelaide does possess height in attack, with Westhoff (198cm) and Tredrea (194cm) having the potential to stretch an under-sized home side.

At 193cm, youngster Harry Taylor is Geelong’s tallest defender but the versatile Tom Lonergan (197cm) – who did spend time in defence last week – might again be called on should the Cats find themselves a little short down back.

“Tommy’s a bit of a swingman for us,” Sanderson said.

“He can go back or forward which is a bit of a luxury for us.

“He’s played most up forward for us when he had come back into the side but he has played some great games in the VFL at centre-half back … Tommy becomes a pretty important player for us as well.”

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
GFC.com

Item-
Matthew Scarlett's weekly column

Scarlett's Web
Matthew Scarlett
12June08


Scarlett's Web, with champion full-back Matthew Scarlett

WELL, I guess it’s finally kicking in … the old-man syndrome.

Before last week, when I turned 29, I’d never had a soft-tissue injury.

Ah well, I guess I can’t complain then after copping my first against North Melbourne – after 11 years of senior footy.

The hamstring injury I’ve got isn’t a very serious one so I’m pretty optimistic about it. I should be right after having just a couple of weeks off.

When I did it I guess I wasn’t completely sure what I’d done, given my inexperience with such injuries.

I felt something go in the first quarter and, I guess a bit unsure what it was, tried to go on for a little while.

But I soon realised it wasn’t feeling any better and came off.

Watching on the sidelines was a different experience, that’s for sure.

I’ve only ever spent pretty brief periods on the bench in the past, so to have to sit and watch for so long was something completely different.

I missed a bit of the game when I went down the race to get some treatment, but gee it was a pretty good game of footy.

The boys did really well to get over the line too, against a side that always has a real crack.

Watching Gazza go about it from the bench was unbelievable.

When I’m out on the field, concentrating and worrying about my man I probably don’t have time to take a lot of things in as I was able to the other night against North.

Like a lot of observers, I was just in awe of his game.

I think it was probably the best game of his career and I can’t remember many blokes playing a better game.

There was a couple of times during the game when a few of us on the bench would just look at each other and say “How good is he?”

I think he’s having a better season than last year. He seems fitter, looks more confident and is just playing awesome footy.

I’m just disappointed I won’t be able to be out there the next couple of weeks to be part of it.

My next fortnight will be spent in the pool and gym, trying to overcome this injury.

Unfortunately injuries mean you have to train harder than if you were fit, so I’m probably spending more time down at the club than a normal week.

You do a lot more work when you’re injured than the other guys.

I’ve been doing a lot of cross-training, such as swimming and bike riding, as well as getting extra treatment.

If I really had to push it then I probably could play next week, but given we have a week off after the West Coast game I’d say we’ll leave it another week.

We’re pretty cautious with the way we treat our injuries.

Anyway this week is Port Adelaide, who we know pretty well and they know us pretty well.

I won’t be out there but I’m sure our backline will be fine. That’s the great thing about our side – we don’t rely on any one player and we can cover for anyone who’s missing.

I’m not sure where I’ll watch the game from. I was in the coaches’ box for a couple of games a few years back and we lost both of them, so that wasn’t much fun.

This week maybe I’ll find a nice quiet spot in the back of the Gary Ablett Stand.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
The Geelong Advertiser

Item-
Updated News

Cats defence a hard place to be without its rock, Matthew Scarlett
Sarah Bieske
13June08


Matthew Scarlett will be sorely missed by the Cats.

MATTHEW Scarlett's absence could cause Geelong's undersized and undermanned defence major headaches against Port Adelaide's forwards on Sunday.

Scarlett, out with a hamstring strain, has missed just seven games in more than eight seasons and will leave a gaping hole at full back.

None of the Cats defenders match up to full forward Justin Westhoff (199cm) or centre half-forward Warren Tredrea (194cm), with Harry Taylor and Tom Harley (both 193cm) the tallest players in Geelong's back six.

While Scarlett is by no means one of the tallest defenders in the business at 192cm, it's his attack and drive off the backline and ability to work his taller opponents out of the contest that the Cats will miss most.

Collingwood's tall forwards Anthony Rocca and Travis Cloke had the better of the Cats' in round nine when Geelong went down by 86 points.

It was the first time the lack of height and strength in defence was exposed since the loss of All-Australian Matthew Egan (196cm) with a foot injury late last year.

The Cats have recalled first-year player Taylor to the side and named him in Scarlett's post at full back, while Max Rooke is at centre half-back.

Neither Tredrea (two goals) nor Westhoff (one) had a major impact when the Cats scraped over the line against Port in round one by nine points, but it could be a different story in Scarlett's absence.

Midfielder Joel Selwood, who missed last week with a virus, is in an extended side along with Josh Hunt, Kane Tenace and Ryan Gamble, which will be cut today.

Scarlett and Shannon Byrnes (ankle) are Geelong's only outs.

Shaun Burgoyne, Nick Lower, Nathan Lonie, Jacob Surjan and Damon White are all in for Port with Paul Stewart (neck) and Toby Thurstans (knee) missing.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
The Geelong Advertiser

Item-
Updated News

Geelong defence holds up well without Matthew Scarlett
Michael Auciello
16June08


Geelong skipper Tom Harley flies over Port pair Justin Westhoff and Warrne Tredrea.

TOM Harley said last week that no one player could replace Matthew Scarlett, but that as a defensive unit the Cats could replicate his effectiveness.

He was proved to be spot-on yesterday, as the Cats' backline went about tearing the Port Adelaide forward line apart.

Scarlett's resourcefulness in stopping opposition forwards getting the ball was covered by Harley's saving marks and Darren Milburn's and Harry Taylor's timely spoils.

Andrew Mackie and Josh Hunt picked up the slack from the absence of Scarlett's attacking nature going forward - Hunt had six rebound 50s and Mackie was excellent with 26 touches, three rebound 50s and four inside 50s.

"Yeah it was a huge challenge (to play without Scarlett), they had to stand up and they certainly did that. We were very pleased with the way the back six played," coach Mark Thompson said.

"Really happy with (Mackie's) game, but also Harry Taylor and Darren Milburn, I thought they were all pretty outstanding, Josh Hunt coming back after missing two weeks.

"Together, I think they helped each other pretty well."

Milburn took Justin Westhoff for most the day, while Taylor had charge of Tredrea, with Harley and Hunt taking control of the smaller Port forwards such as Daniel Motlop and Jacob Surjan.

The Geelong defence was helped by the dominance of its midfield, which limited the Power to just 39 forward entries for the game.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
GFC.com

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Matthew Scarlett's weekly column

Scarlett's Web
Matthew Scarlett
18June08


Scarlett's Web, with champion full-back Matthew Scarlett

WELL, missing a match of footy does have some perks, I suppose.

While not being able to get out there against Port Adelaide I was able to take my nine-year-old daughter, Tayla, along to watch the game.

I took her along to a pre-season game earlier this year and she had a ball.

So when I got injured last week I think she might have been pretty happy that Dad was available to take her along again.

We went into the rooms before the game, which Tayla loved, as she got to say g’day to some of her favourite players like Gary Ablett.

Before the game I wished Rookey all the best for his 100th game and then we were off to our seats to watch.

When the match started I was pretty edgy. In fact, I spent the day standing at the back of the stand.

Sunday afternoons at Skilled Stadium are probably my favourite time to play, so when the siren went to start the game I really felt not being out there.

Once it started though, and the boys were playing so well, I was okay.

I thought the boys put in nearly our best performance of the year.

It was a really professional effort all over the ground and we played the footy that we want to play.

It was a contested game of footy and we were accountable throughout.

Watching from the stands, I was really impressed.

After being in the coach’s box twice before in my career – for two losses – I wasn’t too keen to head back there.

Not that I was invited this time around … maybe Bomber remembered those two occasions.

Coaching can be a pretty high-stress job and I must say it’s not something that interests me a great deal – at least at AFL level.

All our coaches do a helluva lot of work. Our assistant coaches do so much work, while the top job is obviously the hardest gig because if things aren’t going well, he’s the guy where the buck stops.

When I eventually finish my AFL career I might do a bit of coaching at local level.

A close mate's dad is the president of a local club, and I’ve already got a handshake deal to go and help out there when I finish.

That’s already stitched up, but apart from that I certainly don’t have any grand plans to head into coaching.

Anyway, I don’t have to worry about life after footy for a while yet.

I’m just looking forward to getting back out there and playing as soon as I can.

I’ve amped up the running and have had a big session this week, so I’m nearly ready to go.

If it were a final this week, I’d be playing. But given we get an extra week off after the Eagles, we’re playing the safety-first card.

So instead of running onto Subiaco on Saturday night, as I’d love to be doing, I’ll be sitting on the couch watching the guys play.

Unfortunately that means I’ll miss Stevie Johnson’s 100th game.

It’s amazing how far he’s come in 12 or 18 months.

Probably even Stevie might have doubted that he’d get to 100 games a couple of years ago, but he’s changed his attitude so much towards his footy and he deserves a big pat on the back.

He’s earned so much respect from everyone at the club, so I’m sure the boys will be really keen to put on another good performance for him against West Coast.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
GFC.com

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Matthew Scarlett's weekly column

Scarlett's Web
Matthew Scarlett
02July08


Scarlett's Web, with champion full-back Matthew Scarlett

WELL after a few weeks off with a hamstring, I can’t wait to get back out there this week against Adelaide.

Sometimes in footy you can think things are getting to be a bit of a drag and you can tend to go through the motions.

But when it’s all taken away from you, you realise just what you’re missing out on.

My hammy is now fine. I probably could have played a couple of weeks back against West Coast had I really needed to, but now I’ve had an extra break it’s feeling great.

The boys have probably played their best footy of the year – when I’ve been out – which has made me extra keen to get back.

The backline, and Tommy Harley in particular, have been super during that time.

If you were a Geelong supporter, you couldn’t ask for anything more from your skipper.

I guess when Tommy was appointed a few people outside the footy club were surprised.

But let me tell you, inside it wasn’t a shock to any of us.

He’s such a fantastic leader. He communicates to all parts of the footy club, whether to the board, the coaches or the players.

His appointment ensured that all avenues of communication, that maybe hadn’t been used as frequently as they should have in previous years, were immediately opened.

Tommy and I arrived at the club around the same time and were given the jobs of filling the key defensive posts.

On and off the field, he’s always been a real leader.

He’s probably grown into the leadership role more and more as time has gone on and I think has become more confident since taking over as captain.

But he’s always set the examples, from being one of our hardest trainers, to being impeccably behaved away from footy.

Tommy has been our skipper now for more than 18 months and while he’s often looked upon purely as our captain, his playing ability can sometimes be overlooked.

He probably doesn’t get the credit he deserves as a player.

I’d say the last few weeks he’s nearly been in career-best form.

Even before he was appointed skipper he had some fantastic years but he never really got mentioned among the great centre-half backs.

However I believe he deserves to be rated alongside some of the game’s best of recent times.

There was a stat a few weeks ago on marks from opposition kicks, in which Tommy is leading the competition.

His ability to mark the footy has set up several of our attacks. Obviously, if he’s marking the ball, he’s not only increasing our chances of scoring but probably deflating the opposition by cutting off or consistently repelling their forward thrusts.

It lifts all our confidence, and gives our guys like Andrew Mackie and Corey Enright more confidence to run off and attack.

Tommy reads the play so well and knows when to back himself. He also often gets back and helps me and the rest of the backline out, which when you’re working together as a back six is so important.

This week we’re off to Adelaide, which we know won’t be easy.

The Crows like to try to slow you down and don’t like to let teams play fast, flowing footy, which we like to play.

It should be a fantastic contest all over the ground. They’re really well-structured and are very even.

We’re all pumped and feeling pretty refreshed after a week off.

I had my first full session back with the boys earlier this week after being out for what has seemed an eternity.

I can’t wait for Friday night.

[Last Line Hero]

Source-
The Geelong Advertiser

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Updated News

Adelaide Crows forward prepares for GFC's Matthew Scarlett
Bradley Green
03July08


Matthew Scarlett is back to face Adelaide.

ADELAIDE youngster Kurt Tippett is preparing to receive the biggest lesson of his short career when the Crows host Geelong at AAMI Stadium tomorrow night.

The Cats will welcome back their All-Australian full back Matthew Scarlett from a hamstring injury and the 195-game veteran is likely to stand the 200cm Queenslander, who has made a promising start to his AFL career.

Scarlett has not played for a month, but Tippett is well aware of his reputation and is relishing the prospect of playing on one of the modern game's great defenders.

"He's shut a lot of great players out of the game over his career," Tippett said.

"For me, to play on such an experienced and well-credentialled full back will be a great test and the biggest I've faced in my career to date."

The Crows yesterday announced the match was a sell-out with Adelaide's commercial operations general manager Phil Harper saying it was great their supporters had got behind the team.

"Geelong is an outstanding team, but this is our home game so we have high expectations within the playing group," Harper said.

"The players understand the difference the crowd can make, so we want as many members and supporters as possible to come along and get behind our team."

The Cats are scheduled to train on AAMI Stadium later today.

The Crows sit in fifth spot on the ladder, but are yet to beat a side in the eight and Tippett said they knew they had to start stepping up and beating the top sides.

"We've got some tough games coming up and there's no doubt a good performance this week will give us a lot of confidence going into those games," Tippett said.

"We pride ourselves on being competitive and we came close against Hawthorn and Brisbane, but to take the next step we have to start winning those close games and we'll be looking to start this Friday night.

"This is a game we've been looking forward to and it will be a great challenge for us. I know personally that you always want to test yourself against the best and we get our chance to do that this week, so I can't wait."

After booting 14 goals in 13 games - but only two in his past four outings - the 21-year-old has also been challenged by Crows coach Neil Craig to stand up as an option in attack in the season's second half.

Craig said Tippett would have to learn to deal with the increased level of respect from opposition players.

"Opposition sides aren't going to let a guy of 200cm stand there unattended and take catch after catch, so 'welcome to the big time Kurt'," Craig said.

"Kurt understands that. Even though he hasn't taken a lot of marks up forward (recently), he's been really competitive in the air, which we want. His second efforts are still really good. He's got a fierce competitive attitude."

The former basketballer was drafted by the Crows in the 2006 national draft having played football for two years.