Preview Changes V Geelong.

[PREETY_FLY]

Game Preview

Geelong Cats v Gold Coast Suns
@ Simonds Stadium at 3:20pm

Last Week

*It’s Stats Time!*

Gold Coast somehow managed to top the round one effort with something even worse however… Gold Coast had 2 more scoring shots than the Saints who were crazily accurate in comparison, with a conversion rate of 66.7% to the Suns paltry 38.5%. What’s worse is that in the second half the Suns hit the scoreboard just over double the amount of times St Kilda did, only to have a conversion rate of 37.5% (12.5% in the 3rd Qtr). St Kilda had 4 more inside 50 entries proving that the Suns can create their chances but couldn't convert them. Defending was an issue and they have to learn how to curb momentum, take out that second quarter and the Suns win 69-54. One last thing… Learning a new game plan, especially for a young team is never easy. It took Fremantle half the year in 2012 to finally learn Ross Lyon’s game plan, they were 6-7 and then went 9-1 until being eliminated in the second week of finals. It’s ugly now but a few backwards steps can become leaps and bounds forward later on.

Geelong were beaten by the aforementioned Fremantle side and fell to their worst loss at Simonds since round 3, 2006. The Cats are low on confidence but they’ll be hungry to get their first win of the season and atone for that loss, especially as the cats haven’t started a season 0-3 since 2003.

The Game

It’s crucial for the Suns to get out to a good start, or at the very least be competitive and stay with the cats. Gold Coast have only scored 7 goals in the first half compared to the 16 they've kicked in the second, if the Suns can stay within touch till half time then they may be able to run over the top of the old cats. The heavily rumoured exclusion of Tom Hawkins (For which reasons are unfortunate) is very fortunate to the Suns chances of snagging a win, The cats attack won’t stretch out too far beyond Clark and will turn to more of their smaller types ie. Motlop. The main goal today win or lose is simple “Disposal Efficiency” whether it’s to a teammate or having a shot on goal, be on target !

Ones To Watch Out For

Geelong: Steve Johnson - Steve J has put the Suns to the sword in the past, especially early on averaging 27 disposals and 2 goals against the Coast. Has the ability to destroy a sides defence and confidence with his unpredictability and goal scoring habits.
Gold Coast: Harley Bennell - Was an absolute star in the last meeting against Geelong kicking an equal club record 6 goals and picking up 27 disposals. Could again be the wildcard that the cats struggle to contain or at least provide a big enough distraction to let another slip under the radar and do the damage.

Head to Head History

Played 5 - Gold Coast 1 Geelong 4
At Simonds 2 - Gold Coast 0 Geelong 2

Final Verdict

Both Geelong and Gold Coast have had poor starts to the season but it’s the quality of opposition they've faced that separates these two teams, plus the Cats haven’t lost two in a row at Kardinia Park in the same season since 2006.

Geelong by 28

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gold-Coast-Suns-Football-Club-Supporters-Page/1480386215519060

Welcome to big footy

 

[Deleted member 2402071]

Both Caddy & Hawkins rumored as late outs

 

[kreglze]

No Hawkins would be big for us.

 

[Herbs]

Go Suns!

 

[eaglesfan84]

Good to see Gablett getting rested and taking the proper time he needs to build strength and mobility in his shoulder, I was saying last week he needed more time to recover. This will prolong his career and avoid him doing a Beau Waters.

 

[Cochblocked]

FINAL TEAMS
Geelong vs Gold Coast

One late change: Tom Hawkins replaced by Josh Walker

Subs:
Geelong: Nakia Cockatoo
Gold Coast: Matt Shaw

 

[Experimental]

What's the reason for dropping Hawkins?

 

[supernova_]

What's the reason for dropping Hawkins?

Hunger pains

 

[kreglze]

What's the reason for dropping Hawkins?

Family Illness, his Mum is very sick apparently.

 

[supernova_]

Family Illness, his Mum is very sick apparently.

Ah crap, now I feel bad.

 

[holybishop]

Family Illness, his Mum is very sick apparently.

Reports are she passed away.

 

[Ben Drever]

Think we're to tall, playing Gorringe and with them having Hawkins out.
And on a wet ground

 

[kreglze]

It is funny.

It is rather sunny up in Melbourne today.

 

[Iason]

Nick Maxwell, you have the voice of a man that is trying to see how many oreos he can stuff in his mouth.

Have a job as a boundary commentator!

 

[Sunizzle]

McKenzie in the middle, interesting

 

[Ben Drever]

That's 1 clanger off 1 kick for Malceski.
He doesn't even look.

 

[Ben Drever]

McKenzie in the middle, interesting

I like it .

 

[Ben Drever]

I know your trying Swallow.. But rather then give them a goal, Hold onto it and cause a ball up..

 

[TheSunGod]

WTF IS THIS?

We are ****ing hopeless!

 

[Ben Drever]

Martins dropped 2 marks.. Hearing footsteps.. Causing turn overs..

 

[Sunizzle]

Martin dropped a couple sitter already. better kick this

 

[Sunizzle]

LYYYYYYNCH!!!!!

 

[Experimental]

lol @ "experienced campaigner"

Bigfooty has ruined that word for me.

In other news, KICK THE ****ING BALL! STOP HAND HASSING!

 

[Iason]

C'mon Tom, lead by example.

 

[Ben Drever]

Don't let tape kick the football!!