Preview AFL Round 2 - Geelong v Hawthorn, MCG, 3:10PM Monday 9 April

[SJ]

AFL Premiership Round 2
Geelong V Hawthorn​

--------- V ---------

________________________________________________________​

Monday April 9
MCG 3:10 PM (Local Time)
Melbourne Forecast Melbourne Radar​

Are they right?

Could it be true?

Are the Hawks really the team to beat this year?

After an off season of having their tyres inflated well above the manuals recommendation the Hawks came out, took on major challenge number one and delivered a decisive victory against one of three it was unable to overcome last season. Yes the Pies had some out but the Hawks were a few down too. Hodge, Roughy, Poppy, Bailey would all be in the starting 18 for the wee and poo. The question comes as to do you bring blokes in after such an impressive match. Hodge is doubtful and rushing him back in round 2 doesn’t make sense in such a long season. Roughy and Shiels will be seriously considered but being a Monday game, it’s anyone’s guess at this stage.

As for the cats they started slower than an oil tanker and then proceeded to do everything but put themselves a couple of kicks ahead of an impressive Dockers outfit. The cats lost it above the shoulders giving away half a dozen 50m penalties and a goal (That’s not handy when the siren rings and your 4 points down) thanks to an awkward left from the now suspended Scarlett. His replacement will be intriguing in itself. Like for like (tallish defender I mean) would say Gillies but I have the feeling that it’s more likely to be the run of Byrnes or the other forward option in Brown, who can play all over the ground if not required up forward.

The decisive factor in recent match ups between these two great sides has been Geelong’s height up forward. The cats, particularly Podsy and Otto (probably won’t be a factor this week) and a touch of Hawk in the finals last year, have caused more headaches than a night on the 500ml Woodstocks (not speaking from experience, just an assumption based on having good taste, that means not drinking that evil sugary syrup!!) for the Hawthorn backline. The fact that they held Cloke and Dawes out last week was a big win for Gibson & co and will keep them on the front foot for this rounds challenge. Podsy will be better for the run and Hawk looked to be brimming with confidence jumping at everything and snagging 4 for the night (should’ve been more). Buddy was, well, Buddy. He is such an awesome athlete and Hawthorn should get canned along with the Bulldogs (who seem to get off scot free for picking Griffen, good player but no Buddy) and of course Richmond for not taking him at 1. Yes they still got him but boy can this kid play. Imagine if he gets his confidence up Scarlett’s absence may even see the Hawks reverse the trend of recent time and try and outstretch the cat’s defense, especially if the big Rough finds his way in.

Through the guts will play a big part in deciding the winner. Mitchell is an in and under specialist and if given a free reign, will slice you up faster than any master chef contestant could dream of. Mitchell would’ve been one of the first to pop the bottle of champers when Lingy announced he was hanging up the boots. The reigning premiership captain made life pretty tough over the journey for the Hawk champ but he wasn’t the lone ranger there now was he?

Joel Selwood showed that carrying the (c) next to his name wasn't going to affect his output. Hard, tough and without fear, he will lead from the front to get his team going. Look for another big game from the chosen one.

The one thing that these two sides share is a list of a dozen blokes that can run through the midfield. Importantly too, the majority are as tough as a $2 steak. Mitchell, Sewell, Lewis, Selwood, Bartel, Chapman, Corey the list goes on. Probably the reason behind these sides have been playing it out to the final siren in almost every meeting since you know when (spent too much on therapy to actually type the words). Then there’s Cyril. He is the mystery. Has been great and crap against us in the past and another quiet one will help our cause greatly. Has the ability to impact the game in such a small amount of time and possession so needs to be held, especially early on, to limit his impact.

For the cats the x-factor comes from Stevie J. Will be dirty with his output last week and tends not to string average games together. His best is match winning, finals winning actually so expect him to impact the scoreboard both directly and indirectly with his creative play.

The tall timber is going to be an interesting battle. Hale and McCauley up against West and Stephenson. Going out on a limb here but neither would be the scariest ruck tandem going around. With all that said and done if one gets on top and starts giving first use of the ball to their midfield it will be interesting to see if the opposition pairing can put a stop to it.

With the cats being branded as arrogant during the week, it’ll be game on the day after the Easter Bunny pays a visit. For the Hawks it means a 2 zip buffer on the cats and wins over last years grand finalists in successive weeks. Just imagine the media hype then!! Along with that would be the end of the streak of 7 straight losses, something that will be a little more important at the pointy end of the season. For Geelong its back to level pegging with Hawthorn and probably Collingwood and an easier road ahead in the coming weeks meaning a winning streak can kick into gear.

One thing that we can be sure of is a tough hard slog in the guts with a lot of excitement up forward. The hawks will go in favorites but I’m backing the cats to take the points in yet another see-sawing battle. Geelong by 3 points

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

Dissapointing loss to Freo, but still thought we played a good game.

Looking forward to the Hawks, think it will be a great game again and I know we will be up for the challenge.

Hunt to come back in for Scarlo, possibly Horlin-Smith the other addition.

Hawthorn are not without a few injuries themselves; Hodge out, Bailey out. Not sure they really set the world on fire against the Pies, but were solid nonetheless. Of course we are going to have a big task matching Buddy - especially now we don't have Scarlo as a third man up (let alone the loss of Milburn!). However i'm noticing Mackie is starting to command a bit more key position time of late, wouldn't suprise me to see him go with Franklin if he pushes further up the ground.

Motlop, Guthrie, Smedts, performed fairly well last night and should all hold there spots. Was very exciting to see Smedts do a few little things last night - didn't necessarily come off, but you can see he is a player who does some special things!! The big O should also be a lot more influential given the category of opposition this time around!

 

[St Edward]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

Dissapointing loss to Freo, but still thought we played a good game.

Looking forward to the Hawks, think it will be a great game again and I know we will be up for the challenge.

Hunt to come back in for Scarlo, possibly Horlin-Smith the other addition.

Hawthorn are not without a few injuries themselves; Hodge out, Bailey out. Not sure they really set the world on fire against the Pies, but were solid nonetheless. Of course we are going to have a big task matching Buddy - especially now we don't have Scarlo as a third man up (let alone the loss of Milburn!). However i'm noticing Mackie is starting to command a bit more key position time of late, wouldn't suprise me to see him go with Franklin if he pushes further up the ground.

Motlop, Guthrie, Smedts, performed fairly well last night and should all hold there spots. Was very exciting to see Smedts do a few little things last night - didn't necessarily come off, but you can see he is a player who does some special things!! The big O should also be a lot more influential given the category of opposition this time around!

They'll really miss Bailey with Oren in there for Cats!

 

[Cataholic]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

Try as I might, I'm struggling to see how we can win this one - and our prospects will look even bleaker if Scarlo's absence is compounded by the loss of both / either Podsy and Kelly at the MRP.

 

[Gary Conan Ayres]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

They'll really miss Bailey with Oren in there for Cats!

Macualey stood up and played well for the hawks he may be one to watch in Baileys absence.

 

[i_need_a_pencil]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

They'll really miss Bailey with Oren in there for Cats!

I think West played pretty well in the GF didn't he? So should be right

 

[hawkman]

Best games to watch in the league by a mile. Lets hope for another cracker on Monday

Did anyone see the Kelly report?

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

Try as I might, I'm struggling to see how we can win this one - and our prospects will look even bleaker if Scarlo's absence is compounded by the loss of both / either Podsy and Kelly at the MRP.

Went to MCG with friends to see Pies v Hawks and whilst a great game, I certainly didn't see anything on the park that we couldn't beat.

Pies had control of first half and could have put away 4 or 5 more goals if they had kicked better from set shots. Midfield battle was fairly even, but Hawthorn still don't have much in defence. Obviously Franklin gives a great advantage up front - but keep him quiet and there is not too much else to worry about.

For those seriously passing judgement on Orren for his performance against Sandilands....seriously, wait until he is able to get a few games under his belt. Playing your first game of AFL against Sandilands is almost bordering on unfair. Will be good against Mcauley.

Don't think Pods or Kelly have anything to worry about - Scarlo will miss (as to should Ballayntyne for nadding Chappy!). Hunt comes in and maybe Horlin-Smith, but couldn't really see who else would miss.

Mackie, Enright, Lonergan and Taylor is enough fire power in the back half to keep the likes of Franklin quiet. Enright will keep Rioli quiet again.

I liked the way we played against Freo, bit unlucky not to win, but them the breaks....have full confidence in us beating the Hawks.

 

[FoxC]

Best games to watch in the league by a mile. Lets hope for another cracker on Monday

Did anyone see the Kelly report?

Footage wasn't very clear but I reckon both he and Podsiadly will be fine to play Hawthorn.

 

[Ty-Land]

Makes a big game even bigger. Hoping to avoid the 0-2 start.

Anyone know how Roughhead is recovering? Is he a chance to play? With Buddy, Hale, Gunston already, they may be testing our depth in the back half in terms of height.

Any chance that Gillies plays? Said to only be a minor ankle sprain and may need the extra key back.

 

[The Rusty Clam]

Roughhead is listed as a 'test', Hodge will be out again and Josh Hunt will be out another 1-2 weeks according to Doc Larkins. Kelly and Pods reports will get thrown out IMO.

Hopefully Gillies is fit for next week because we'll need him with Scarlett out. I hope the run continues against the Hawks, but I'm probably the least confident I've been against them in our games post 08.

 

[Vdubs]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

Went to MCG with friends to see Pies v Hawks and whilst a great game, I certainly didn't see anything on the park that we couldn't beat.

Pies had control of first half and could have put away 4 or 5 more goals if they had kicked better from set shots. Midfield battle was fairly even, but Hawthorn still don't have much in defence. Obviously Franklin gives a great advantage up front - but keep him quiet and there is not too much else to worry about.

For those seriously passing judgement on Orren for his performance against Sandilands....seriously, wait until he is able to get a few games under his belt. Playing your first game of AFL against Sandilands is almost bordering on unfair. Will be good against Mcauley.

Don't think Pods or Kelly have anything to worry about - Scarlo will miss (as to should Ballayntyne for nadding Chappy!). Hunt comes in and maybe Horlin-Smith, but couldn't really see who else would miss.

Mackie, Enright, Lonergan and Taylor is enough fire power in the back half to keep the likes of Franklin quiet. Enright will keep Rioli quiet again.

I liked the way we played against Freo, bit unlucky not to win, but them the breaks....have full confidence in us beating the Hawks.

We need all of Wojo, Scarlett, Varcoe, Ling, Ottens fit and firing on a good day to beat Hawks. They are in top shape already, very prepared, fit, we are struggling for attitude, fitness and available talent. Only blind faith could suggest that THIS week we have any chance of beating Hawthorn.
We might all want it, a win that is, but Hawthorn as a team are on their mission, and we are not yet on cue.
Hawks now are the team that have too many guns in form that we have to contend with. They must be so happy with who we have missing. I mean really, what fear factor does Geelong hold for Hawthorn this week?
Hawkins, great talent, and if he kicks straight, yes.
Chappy? Can he recapture his best? Dubious
SJ?? Always an iffy player
Pods? Maybe.
Bartel. A true champion who can hurt them on the scoreboard and anywhere he plays.
Selwood? not enough damage on the scoreboard to be that threatening.

We will not have our usual ruck dominance, we no longer have the Ablett factor, Scarlett is critical in defence against the most potent attack in the AFL, and the player Hawks hate most, Lingy, gone. And then our X factors, Varcoe, Wojo, Menzel all unavailable!!

Glad to get that off my chest. No, I doubt that we'll get the 4 points next Monday, but would be a very meritorious win if we did.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

McCauley's a good tap ruckman but he's fairly physically timid, if West can crash into him and really play a good game we'll get the advantage there. I suspect we'll still go with the two rucks, it's too early to call it not working and I doubt this is the sort of game in which you'd throw in debutants who aren't ruckmen (i.e. Walker/Bathie) to ruck in front of 80k.

Josh Hunt comes in for Scarlo if fit. If not Byrnes probably comes in and we'll reshuffle.

Be interesting to see if we play Gillies if he's fit, I think the Hawks can and will exploit him and his NAB form gives me no confidence but we may need the third tall defender if Roughead plays. They may consider Walker, maybe.

Can't see any of the kids being dropped, all were very good.

 

[winty]

Will be interesting to see if the likes of Bateman and Lewis try to take a leaf out of Ballantyne's book and try to get under our skin at every opportunity.

Hopefully Scott tells the boys to pull their heads in.

I know folks are calling for Gillies to come in to take Scarlo's spot, but he hasn't actually set the world on fire over the pre-season, and will be coming off a leg injury. I know this is one from way out of left field, but I wouldn't mind us putting Murdoch in. He doesn't have to play on one of their tall forwards - that's what Taylor and Lonergan, and to a lesser extent Mackie, are there for. He could be a hard match-up for the Hawks to cover as he's 190cm tall and can run like the wind. Wouldn't mind seeing us give Bundy a full game and have Murdoch as the sub. His height and pace could be a dangerous combination once everyone else is tiring, and he seems to be a good user of the ball to boot.

I'd like to see us line up like this:

B: Mackie Lonergan Guthrie
HB: Enright Taylor T.Hunt
C: Christensen Kelly Corey
HF: Johnson Hawkins Chapman
F: Motlop Podsiadly Stokes
Foll: West Bartel Selwood
Int: Smedts Stephenson Duncan
Sub: Murdoch

 

[HappyChappy35]

Who will fill Scarlo's shoes and play the loose man in defence now that he will almost certainly be absent? Gillies maybe (although this would be a pretty significant step up for him)? We will need a lot of run and carry from the backline on Monday to minimise the hard running and impact of Gunston, Breust, and Rioli as much as possible (not to mention Buddy, although Lonergan/Taylor/Mackie will rotate on and off him again). Our depth in the back half is definitely going to be tested.
Stephenson/West and Broc Macaulay in the ruck is going to be a really pivotal battle. If Orren/Westy use their bodies as much as possible (as PO mentioned above, Macaulay is a good tap ruckman but somewhat vulnerable in terms of physical prudence), we will have the advantage in this area.
Looking forward to a cracking game, I reckon our boys will have enough grit and determination to not allow themselves to go 0-2. Hawthorn will need to step up a gear (as we must) and find the mental resolve they have lacked in our last 7 encounters if they are to win.

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Mackie and Enright will play deeper and direct the backline. Just on Mackie, i have noticed some serios improvement in him over the first few months....seems to be stepping up his responsibilities and developing into a real gun. He is really imposing himself on the game and i think he will go toe to toe with buddy when he pushes up ground.

 

[Bardo State]

I think many of you are selling yourselves short here. We played well against the pies but some of the defensive midfield efforts from both sides were appalling. This is in contrast to the super pressure that the cats game had. I would like to think of this as a 50/50 game but I am not confident at all. Our only change will probably be shiels in for Bateman

 

[Gogeelong]

Geelong:

B: Hunt Lonergan Mackie
HB: Hy-phen Taylor Enright
C: Corey Chapman Bartel
HF: Johnson Pods Duncan
F: Stokes Hawkins Motlop

R: West Selwood Kelly

I/C: Stephenson Guthrie Brown Christo

OUT: Scarlett, Smedts
IN: Hy-phen, Brown

Need more run. Where is Byrnes??

 

[Poetic Justice]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

We need all of Wojo, Scarlett, Varcoe, Ling, Ottens fit and firing on a good day to beat Hawks. They are in top shape already, very prepared, fit, we are struggling for attitude, fitness and available talent. Only blind faith could suggest that THIS week we have any chance of beating Hawthorn.
We might all want it, a win that is, but Hawthorn as a team are on their mission, and we are not yet on cue.
Hawks now are the team that have too many guns in form that we have to contend with. They must be so happy with who we have missing. I mean really, what fear factor does Geelong hold for Hawthorn this week?
Hawkins, great talent, and if he kicks straight, yes.
Chappy? Can he recapture his best? Dubious
SJ?? Always an iffy player
Pods? Maybe.
Bartel. A true champion who can hurt them on the scoreboard and anywhere he plays.
Selwood? not enough damage on the scoreboard to be that threatening.

We will not have our usual ruck dominance, we no longer have the Ablett factor, Scarlett is critical in defence against the most potent attack in the AFL, and the player Hawks hate most, Lingy, gone. And then our X factors, Varcoe, Wojo, Menzel all unavailable!!

Glad to get that off my chest. No, I doubt that we'll get the 4 points next Monday, but would be a very meritorious win if we did.

Always a positive Cat you are. Blind faith is a little unfair. No one is going to have an easy game at Paterson's this year against either team, and I'd even go as far to say that we'll have put in the best performance of a non-home team this year when it comes to the end of it.

I can't believe you still go on about the Ablett factor despite beating Hawthorn 3 times in 2011.

Also how can you suggest we aren't on cue, yet at this stage last year we are adapting to a new coach and game plan yet still beat them? I appreciate the impact that Ottens has but everyone makes it seem as though without Ottens we simply have no ruckman: not true. Did you happen to see West last night? He more than holds his own.

Geelong hold a fear factor of being the reigning premiers, having won 3 premierships in 5 years and a commanding winning streak over Hawthorn and Hawthorn, like a lot of teams, can crumble under pressure when the Cats get on the run.

Your comments regarding the players are all stupidly harsh too and quite frankly, like has been suggested many times in the past, you are one hell of a shithouse supporter. In fact, you cannot even claim to be a supporter, given you lack the critical support for the team. Hawkins? If he plays as he did last night he has more than done what he needs to against the Hawks. Chappy looked better for the start of the year and loves to play the mayblooms. SJ always an iffy player? He has his moments but always? And finally to suggest Selwood has to be damaging on the scoreboard is to be very naive regarding his entire career thus far, he has never been damaging on the scoreboard.

 

[Isaac Norm Smith]

I think many of you are selling yourselves short here. We played well against the pies but some of the defensive midfield efforts from both sides were appalling. This is in contrast to the super pressure that the cats game had. I would like to think of this as a 50/50 game but I am not confident at all. Our only change will probably be shiels in for Bateman

No Hodge this week? I didn't think it was that serious? Yeah, I reckon it is 50/50 and it'll be another cracker!

 

[Isaac Norm Smith]

How serious are the Podsiadly and Kelly reports? Do we have anything to worry about? We can ill afford to lose them both, particularly Pods.

 

[winty]

How serious are the Podsiadly and Kelly reports? Do we have anything to worry about? We can ill afford to lose them both, particularly Pods.

Haven't seen the Kelly incident, but didn't think there was much in the Podsiadly report, but then again I didn't think there was much in Josh Walker's report a few weeks ago and he still got rubbed out for a week, so your guess is as good as mine.

 

[Gaz_Brownlow]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

We need all of Wojo, Scarlett, Varcoe, Ling, Ottens fit and firing on a good day to beat Hawks. They are in top shape already, very prepared, fit, we are struggling for attitude, fitness and available talent. Only blind faith could suggest that THIS week we have any chance of beating Hawthorn.
We might all want it, a win that is, but Hawthorn as a team are on their mission, and we are not yet on cue.
Hawks now are the team that have too many guns in form that we have to contend with. They must be so happy with who we have missing. I mean really, what fear factor does Geelong hold for Hawthorn this week?
Hawkins, great talent, and if he kicks straight, yes.
Chappy? Can he recapture his best? Dubious
SJ?? Always an iffy player
Pods? Maybe.
Bartel. A true champion who can hurt them on the scoreboard and anywhere he plays.
Selwood? not enough damage on the scoreboard to be that threatening.

We will not have our usual ruck dominance, we no longer have the Ablett factor, Scarlett is critical in defence against the most potent attack in the AFL, and the player Hawks hate most, Lingy, gone. And then our X factors, Varcoe, Wojo, Menzel all unavailable!!

Glad to get that off my chest. No, I doubt that we'll get the 4 points next Monday, but would be a very meritorious win if we did.

Mate, seriously, calm down. We are one of the best teams of the modern era, have won 3 of 5 premierships and not lost to the Hawks since 2008.

Don't start believing all the Hawthorn hysteria - was at the game on Friday and whilst good, they were well short of being great. Thats nothing against Hawthorn, thats just calling it as it is. They have vulnerabilities in the backline as was evident by Collingwood having a helll of a lot of set shots (that were missed mind you) in the first 3/4. There ruck is not dominant and there midfield is extremely reliant on the performance of Sam Mitchell.

We have the cattle to constrict there midfield and expose there backline....that is our major advantage. Not to mention the fact that we also have good match-ups for Rioli (Enright) and Buddy (Taylor, Lonergan and Mackie). We will be every bit up for this contest and I expect nothing less than a fiery performance!

Yes, would be great to have Wojo, Varcoe, Hunt, Scarlo - but we won't, instead we will have Guthrie, Taylor Hunt, Smedts and maybe Horlin-Smith....and i have full confidence in that quartet performing.

Going to be a cracking game, but I think we have the advantage and I know for a fact that there will be a lot of hurt for the round 1 loss!

 

[Bardo State]

No Hodge this week? I didn't think it was that serious? Yeah, I reckon it is 50/50 and it'll be another cracker!

Apparently the hodge injury is worse than first thought and will take another couple games to get back and we are also taking a conservative approach with poppy. So unless an unlikely comeback from gilham, we will probably have just the one change.

 

[barmy44]

Re: Can we talk about the Hawthorn game now?

Your comments regarding the players are all stupidly harsh too and quite frankly, like has been suggested many times in the past, you are one hell of a shithouse supporter. In fact, you cannot even claim to be a supporter, given you lack the critical support for the team.

thats a bit out of line. he is a long term, passionate cats supporter. just cause he falls on the 'pessimist' side of things doesnt warrant that.