Crunch time

[MC Extra Dollop]

As the Cats look to remain contenders in 2012, while simultaneously being in a period of transition, the spotlight is on many players to step up, or bounce back in 2012. When we look back to this time last year, the pressure was on several players, mainly veterans (Mooney, Podsiadly, Corey, Ottens, Ling, Milburn, Stokes, Mackie, Hawkins) and almost all of them responded with terrific seasons. Who do you think is in this postion this year?

My list, from most pressure to least, is below.

1. Shannon Byrnes: Shagger picked a bad season to be injured and with the emergence of Menzel, Duncan and Christensen, as well as Stokes submitting a great overall season, he is currently out of the best 22. Supposed to be fit and firing now and it would be great if he can push his way back into the side, generating some real competition for spots.

2. Tom Gillies: We've shown him a lot of faith, refusing a proposed trade to Hawthorn. After an extremely encouraging 2009, Gillies has struggled and he needs to get game time next year to make a decision about his future easier. Keeping him was the right move, as although we had the leverage of an extra year to run on his contract in the last trade period, Gillies should more than double his games total next year, which will either establish him as an important part of our defence for years to come, or give him greater currency at the trade table next year.

3. Simon Hogan: Hogan has won plenty of admirers with how he has handled his quite public battle with depression and it was a credit to him that he was able to return to AFL football as a sub against Brisbane, when most assumed just getting back to consistent VFL performances would be the goal for 2011. Now Hogan returns to where he was in 2009-2010 - A semi-regular in the senior side, who will be given opportunities to show that he is worthy of becoming a permanent member of the best 22. His strengths suggest that he could be a valuable tagger and he is able to accumulate big numbers as a regular midfielder. Improved disposal and decision-making could see more opportunities open up for him as a defender.

4. Steven Motlop: I think 2012 is a real make or break year for Motlop, after making another couple of appearances in 2011. Still very lightly-framed and seems to get knocked off the ball too easily at AFL level. If he can bulk up considerably, he's a potential wild card.

5. Paul Chapman: I might be alone here, but I thought Chappy, while not missing many games, was showing signs that his body was breaking down last year. Depending on whether Stokes/Duncan/Christensen are able to move into more permanent midfield roles, spending the bulk of his time in the forward line may be just what the doctor ordered, to squeeze another 2-3 years out of his body. Wouldn't be shocked to see him hang them up after 2012.

6. Dawson Simpson: The vacant ruck spot left by Brad Ottens should be Simpson's to lose. But he's going to have to fight for it, as Geelong didn't bring Orren Stephenson in to spend all of 2012 in the reserves. As with Gillies, this is a critical development year for Simpson and he simply has to make a big step up to let us know he is the ruckman of the future. Time is still on his side, but we need progress this year.

7. Travis Varcoe: Varcoe, along with possibly Chapman, was one of the only regular players whose production took a sharp decline from 2010 to 2011. He reminded us in the grand final just why there was so much excitement surrounding him heading into the 2011 preseason and the onus is on him to translate his considerable talent into consistent week-in, week-out production.

8. Mitch Brown: Expectations are, ostensibly, low for the gifted forward - Just get through the season unscathed. After his last three years though, it is apparent that is easier said than done. A solid rehab should hopefully see Brown knocking on the door of senior football early in the season and with him turning 22 next year, a return of ten games, 10-15 goals and no major injuries would be a promising foundation.

9. Taylor Hunt: The speedy back flank/wing is a big part of Geelong's future and has impressed in his first two seasons of AFL football. Played over half the club's games in 2011 and will be expected to inject some pace into an aging defence.

10. Josh Hunt: A fantastic finals series marked a welcome return to form, after a fairly indifferent home and away campaign, which saw him spend time in the reserves. Hunt turns 30 before the start of 2012 and, unlike most others around his age bracket, he is probably still borderline best 22. The hope would be that Hunt has a solid season in 2012, allowing him to reach the 200 game milestone, that so many of his teammates have recently surpassed, in 2013. A key to him achieving this will be to consistently use his strength to advantage, attacking both the opposition and the ball fiercely. His composure was also an issue at times and he needs to avoid his troubling habit of having games where he makes multiple howlers. Hunt was solid when it counted last year though and hopefully he can continue this form into 2012, after some unwanted media attention this offseason.

 

[Belisarius]

Good to read your thoughts on these matters MCED.

I would agree generally with your assessment.

I have real doubts about Motlop and Gillies making regular senior players for us into the future.

Hogan for me is a real unknown.

Brown seems destined for a hard road to Senior footy.

So, I think it is easier to put these guys out of your mind and look to the guys that look closer to selection - like Guthrie, THunt and maybe Bathie.

Then if the Motlop, Hogan or Gillies does make it into the Senior side and play well it is a bonus.

Maybe could have mentioned Vardy as well. Looked good in patches - would like him to show some improvement next season as well.

Then just the outside chance that Menzel may come back late in the season and make a contribution. I would put that in the Top 10. Can see him and SJ on the HFF and making a very dangerous duo. Both got an X factor that could see them kick or create multiple goals on any given Round.

When we get over a free injuries we have - we certainly will have some depth.

Just wish this would translate to a good VFL season for us.

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

Interesting points. I guess my thoughts were based more from the individual perspective of the players involved, whereas you're looking at it from the club's point of view. For example, I'd agree that Menzel and Vardy could be critical to our premiership hopes in 2012, but I don't think a sub-par season by either of them would cause their long-term futures to be questioned like the rest of the players I've listed (or Brown if he breaks down again).

It would be great to have a competitive VFL side, but I think our rotation policy jeopardises that. It's a shame, because it will probably cause issues with Menzel's reintroduction to the team, if the VFL side has already finished its season.

 

[CF]

I agree Shannon Byrnes is in a tough spot where we have Stokes, Christensen & Varcoe that can do his role just as well. Might be Shannon's last year at Geelong.

I have to think that Travis shoulder injury was holding him back early 2011. I wonder if the book will shed light on that. He definitely stepped it up in the finals. I think we all have to accept that Trav is an outside player and wont tackle unless he can be the only one putting the physical pressure on. If it comes down to a man on man clash for the ball Trav always pulls out, but if he can run someone down from behind he will.

Simon Hogan wont last at Geelong because more recent midfielder's we have recruited will be better than him. He might get a few games here and there but he is going nowhere at present.

I wonder how Gillies recently wanting to be traded to hawthorn will effect his position in the club. He deserves a go but I think come the end of next season he will a dawkthorn player.

Chapman had a good year in 2011 but some people didn't notice because he played mostly in the midfield. Don't underestimate Chappy!

Simpson, T. Hunt, J. Hunt, Vardy, Brown, Motlop and Menzel are all keepers so leave em alone

 

[witsend]

I agree Shannon Byrnes is in a tough spot where we have Stokes, Christensen & Varcoe that can do his role just as well. Might be Shannon's last year at Geelong.

I have to think that Travis shoulder injury was holding him back early 2011. I wonder if the book will shed light on that. He definitely stepped it up in the finals. I think we all have to accept that Trav is an outside player and wont tackle unless he can be the only one putting the physical pressure on. If it comes down to a man on man clash for the ball Trav always pulls out, but if he can run someone down from behind he will.

Simon Hogan wont last at Geelong because more recent midfielder's we have recruited will be better than him. He might get a few games here and there but he is going nowhere at present.

I wonder how Gillies recently wanting to be traded to hawthorn will effect his position in the club. He deserves a go but I think come the end of next season he will a dawkthorn player.

Chapman had a good year in 2011 but some people didn't notice because he played mostly in the midfield. Don't underestimate Chappy!

Simpson, T. Hunt, J. Hunt, Vardy, Brown, Motlop and Menzel are all keepers so leave em alone

Maybe he's under instruction?

 

[jim boy]

5. Paul Chapman: Yes, you are alone, the only question over Chappy is fitness and ability to see out the year. Wont spend any time in twos unless coming back from extended injury layoff. Has nothing to prove

6. Dawson Simpson: Still has a year's grace

7. Travis Varcoe: Slow start, but now a dual premiership player, what is there to prove.

8. Mitch Brown: Will be givem plenty of time, a few games in the ones is all that is expected.


10. Josh Hunt: Nothing left to prove, if he slows down and ends up in the twos, then he can look back at his career with pride

 

[bobbycatsfanme]

I agree with Jim Boy, Chappy has absolutely nothing at all to prove and he was again superb during the finals series.
I didn't see the players who were being questioned last year but how on earth could Corey have been questioned

I don't think Taylor Hunt has anything to worry about, he's all class and he's just trying to crack into a defensive backline that is one of the very best in the AFL.
If he plays then we would need to ask Mackie or Wojak or J Hunt to spend time in the VFL but on form that's not going to happen.

I do agree with Motlop though as he has a terrific chance to find a spot in our team that hasn't got the best of speed all over the ground.

All the other blokes though are still developing so time is essential or they are coming back from injuries.

 

[PowerOfThePussy]

Maybe he's under instruction?

Yeah I tend to agree witsend. I don't have a problem with Varcoe pulling out of a contest here or there (not that I think he does anyway tbh), but he is so brilliant that we are better to use his assets than try to turn him into something that he is not.

Tackle when you can yes, but don't risk a big collision unless it's absolutely necessary. I'm all for players going in as hard as they can, but I also reckon there is room to be smart and look after your body from time to time.

I personally believe Varcoe is just about the most underrated player in the league. He does some brilliant things, little taps here and there, lightning handballs etc but rarely is credited for much. I really like the boy.

 

[marshhhhh]

I'll throw Hawkins into this mix.
Will be a massive weight of expectation following his outstanding finals performances.
Has shown he can do it, needs to bring it to the table week in week out.

 

[Farmer2Goggin]

Maybe he's under instruction?

Could be something in this , what's the point of copping a corky early in the game and compromising game breaking speed late in the game - horses for courses I guess. I'm tipping we won't be asking Mitch Brown to crash packs too much either !!

 

[MC Extra Dollop]

5. Paul Chapman: Yes, you are alone, the only question over Chappy is fitness and ability to see out the year. Wont spend any time in twos unless coming back from extended injury layoff. Has nothing to prove

6. Dawson Simpson: Still has a year's grace

7. Travis Varcoe: Slow start, but now a dual premiership player, what is there to prove.

8. Mitch Brown: Will be givem plenty of time, a few games in the ones is all that is expected.


10. Josh Hunt: Nothing left to prove, if he slows down and ends up in the twos, then he can look back at his career with pride

I'm not saying the veterans in the list have anything to prove, I'm saying that it may be Chapman and J Hunt's last years with the club, just like it was shaping up to be a swansong for Milburn, Ottens, Corey and Ling last year. None of them had anything left to prove either, they were clearly champions of the Geelong Football Club. But none of them would have been happy with 2010 from a personal perspective, or collectively.

Joel Corey looked awful in 2010, due to a range of factors, and his long-term prospects were up in the air. He responded by finishing second in the b&f. On this very board, we had an ongoing thread debating whether Ling should retain the captaincy in 2011, when he probably couldn't be guaranteed a spot in the first 22. Ottens and Milburn both had great seasons and only enhanced their legacies in 2011. That's all I'm saying about Chapman and Josh Hunt. They both probably had ordinary seasons overall, by their standards, and it would be great if they could respond like Ling and Corey did.

Varcoe? What is there left to prove? He has a chance to be elite; he's got the whole package. Most of us would have probably pencilled him in as one of our best five or six players by the end of the 2010 season, he was looking that good. He plays a consistent season and he'll be an All-Australian. It's really that simple. He has everything left to prove.

I disagree with regards to Dawson Simpson; if he doesn't see significant game time next year, he could start listening to offers from opposition clubs. There's plenty of teams that could use him. The difference now is we're one of them. You're right about Brown, but I would add a proviso: A few AFL games is fine, as long as he plays most (if not all) of the remainder of the season in the VFL. If he goes down with yet another season-ending injury, it's got to be extremely concerning for the club. Plenty of players in recent times have pulled the pin in their early twenties when the never-ending rehab from multiple injuries became too much for them. His ability is not in question, which i thought I made reasonably clear.

I think people are taking this thread the wrong way. I love all these players and anyone who pulls on a Geelong guernsey. I'm just saying it's a big year for all ten of these players, like it or not.

 

[marshhhhh]

I totally agree with Simpson too.
He is in a hard spot, as are all our ruckman.
Many clubs would love to get their hands on a ruckman like that.
But assuming West keeps up to form, Stephenson breaks in and possibly has a fair crack, and maybe even Vardy to return also, the future could be bleak for him.
If he doesn't get game time this year he WILL be looking for a new home - by his own choice.

 

[witsend]

Chappy will either have a great AA year if his body holds up or another year of struggle may get him to pull the pin.
Mind you his 2011 while injury restricted was none too shabby! I think he led our possession count, did he not?
Simpson faces pressure from the Big O while Vardy and West are playing for the same spot. This is a good thing. Shagger puts pressure on Stokes imo.
Varcoe will always be best 22 now, as will Christenson who is now a genuine mid.
Hogan can do a Tom Lonergan and say "I want Ling's spot!". No reason he can't do it either...
Gillies needs to be groomed for a perma spot in the back 6 as back up for Lonners/Scarlo/Taylor. There will no doubt be times he is required and he must perform.
T. Hunt is next in line for his namesake imo.
Mitch Brown worries me. One more shoulder and I reckon it's over.

 

[CF]

Maybe he's under instruction?

I'd say no doubt about that. I think Trav has his strengths and weaknesses and he will never be an inside player. Not that it's a problem for me. I hope with full preseason this year we will see him notch it up a little in 2012 and we see more of his freakish running and ball/goal sense. That goal in the third quarter of the GF he kicked running from HB to collect the ball off Duncan at CHF still gives me goosebumps.

But I agree with JB as a dual premiership player he has naught to prove.

Mitch Brown is a tricky one. I do wonder/suspect if the injuries will ruin it for him. Hope he makes it though as he could be a star.

 

[bobbycatsfanme]

as will Christenson who is now a genuine mid.

gee this bloke is extremely talented
Was watching the QF v Hawthorn tonight and his ability to win the hard ball and make the right decision in traffic is just exceptional for a kid his age and relatively light frame.

Amazing how those 1st 3 or 4 games went by and we were all saying "what a player this boy looks"...and then he goes onto do some of those extraordinary plays in the final series.
In 2 years time he'll just be another 'Selwood' that has popped up out of nowhere and dominating in the AFL (whilst opposition clubs wonder how he slipped by them in the 09 draft )

 

[Pure_Ownage]

In one way it doesn't make a lot of sense to be saying it's crunch time for Motlop, he was drafted as a bottom ager built like a stick (and due to injuries, still pretty much is) and has had 2 of 3 years ruined by injury and has shown a bit in the third and was ok at senior level this year. He's the definition of a player that needs time. On the other hand I can see us making a large number of changes next year due to the strong draft, and we have a lot of guys who can play that small mid/small fwd role (and we just drafted more this year) so next year could be crunch time for him.

It's make or break for Hogan too, but let's not forget the high quality of footy that he played in 09. He's got enough attributes to make it (elite endurance and speed and ball winning ability, just needs to keep working on decision making) and the new rotation policy will help give him the opportunities he needs early next year. From there it's up to him. I reckon he can make it.

Big year for Gillies, he does have ability, but the massive gap between his best and worst in the VFL needs to be rectified and he needs to switch on. Think he could go either way at this point.

Agree on Byrnes too, I love him but he picked a bad year to have injuries and with the kids forcing their way in, Stokes re signing for another 2 and the depth we have in his position, he needs to stay injury free next year and get his spot back or he could be looking for a new home at the end of it. Josh Hunt is another who could be seeing his last year if he drops into the vfl, although credit to him that after being in the vfl for a game this year, he played quite well in the seniors through the finals, and he may do so again.

Cowan needs to make inroads next year too, albeit that he has done quite well this year.

Taylor Hunt is safe in terms of staying on the list, absolutely safe, albeit he'll want to play in the finals this year like his young mates have done. Brown has shown enough to be safe even if he doesn't play seniors next year, we just need him to get through a year with no injuries regardless of whether he's playing afl or vfl. He's on the precipice injury wise though, be hard to suffer a third shoulder reco and still make it as a young KPP, so he needs a clean year injury wise, but the club will stick by him and he's shown a significant amount in the VFL he has played.

Simpson is also safe long term, given the retirements we've had and the fact that the club keeps re-signing him-clearly they see something in him. Stephenson will be good competition for him. I understand what marshhh is saying but good young rucks don't grow on trees and with Simpson being contracted for 2013 we'll refuse to trade him, of that I'm sure, so he'll be here then.

I do agree that Chapman, Wojo and possibly Corey are all chances to decide to retire at the end of the year like Scarlo seems likely to do.

 

[PowerOfThePussy]

I'd say no doubt about that. I think Trav has his strengths and weaknesses and he will never be an inside player. Not that it's a problem for me. I hope with full preseason this year we will see him notch it up a little in 2012 and we see more of his freakish running and ball/goal sense. That goal in the third quarter of the GF he kicked running from HB to collect the ball off Duncan at CHF still gives me goosebumps.

But I agree with JB as a dual premiership player he has naught to prove.

Mitch Brown is a tricky one. I do wonder/suspect if the injuries will ruin it for him. Hope he makes it though as he could be a star.

You obviously haven't watched the replay nearly enough yet CF if you think Varcoe's goal was in the 3rd

Get back in your lounge chair and watch it again and another 10 times thereafter. Simply not possible to get sick of watching this masterpiece.

On that goal - I'd go so far as to say it's the best goal of all time in a Grand Final. Obviously biased, but it beats all the greats of the past hands down IMO. Such a brilliant display of football at a critical time of the game too.

 

[Badtemperedbadger]

You obviously haven't watched the replay nearly enough yet CF if you think Varcoe's goal was in the 3rd

Get back in your lounge chair and watch it again and another 10 times thereafter. Simply not possible to get sick of watching this masterpiece.

On that goal - I'd go so far as to say it's the best goal of all time in a Grand Final. Obviously biased, but it beats all the greats of the past hands down IMO. Such a brilliant display of football at a critical time of the game too.

Agrre with you big time POTP, I honestly believe (and its hard to not be bias) that it is one of the truly remarkable goals in a Grand Final. Got some press but honestly i cannot get sick of watching it.

HB contests, probably should have got a free, follows his work to the wing, provides a great little toe poke, had the right to slow down here. takes off to the HF reads it beautifully off Mith duncans hands and here's the easy part (very sarcastic here) deftlt pokes it through on his non preffered foot.

Try sprinting the full length of a ground and then cut sideways on your other foot and kick accurately. then try it with 100, 000 screaming fans and opposition players coming at you from all sides.

Friggin pure genius I say

 

[witsend]

Agrre with you big time POTP, I honestly believe (and its hard to not be bias) that it is one of the truly remarkable goals in a Grand Final. Got some press but honestly i cannot get sick of watching it.

HB contests, probably should have got a free, follows his work to the wing, provides a great little toe poke, had the right to slow down here. takes off to the HF reads it beautifully off Mith duncans hands and here's the easy part (very sarcastic here) deftlt pokes it through on his non preffered foot.

Try sprinting the full length of a ground and then cut sideways on your other foot and kick accurately. then try it with 100, 000 screaming fans and opposition players coming at you from all sides.

Friggin pure genius I say

If Rioli had done that it would have been front page news for a month...

 

[PowerOfThePussy]

Agrre with you big time POTP, I honestly believe (and its hard to not be bias) that it is one of the truly remarkable goals in a Grand Final. Got some press but honestly i cannot get sick of watching it.

HB contests, probably should have got a free, follows his work to the wing, provides a great little toe poke, had the right to slow down here. takes off to the HF reads it beautifully off Mith duncans hands and here's the easy part (very sarcastic here) deftlt pokes it through on his non preffered foot.

Try sprinting the full length of a ground and then cut sideways on your other foot and kick accurately. then try it with 100, 000 screaming fans and opposition players coming at you from all sides.

Friggin pure genius I say

Sums it up perfectly BTB. Just a remarkable goal. I'm not sure why he doesn't get much credit, but in my eyes Varcoe is brilliant. The way he has the ball on a string is beautiful to watch.

 

[CatFan79]

Sums it up perfectly BTB. Just a remarkable goal. I'm not sure why he doesn't get much credit, but in my eyes Varcoe is brilliant. The way he has the ball on a string is beautiful to watch.

lack of credit comes from his inconsistency.. Can go missing for large periods and can find it hard to get into games.

 

[PowerOfThePussy]

lack of credit comes from his inconsistency.. Can go missing for large periods and can find it hard to get into games.

I think that's a bit of a myth thb. Each year up until last he has increased his output and I just think what he has shown us is amazing and it doesn't worry me if he has a quiet game here or there as his brilliance can be the difference between winning and losing imo.

Extremely underrated player if you ask me.

 

[Vdubs]

lack of credit comes from his inconsistency.. Can go missing for large periods and can find it hard to get into games.

The times he "goes missing", has it ever cost us? He has that innate skill to be there when it's needed, and as he matures, will no doubt be our best player. He is already our most skilled. Just a matter of time. Yes, I am very biased, and not related, just a long term admirer and what he did on GF day was vindication and a thing of beauty.If we are on a roll, pumping teams, and he is not as much in the game, it probably wasn't necessary.

 

[couchy555]

Im a massive fan of Varcoe and i have been awhile. His skill's and pace are amazing and is usually pretty reliable in front of goals. His GF contribution was very important and i agree with the earlier post that had it of been Rioli then the papers would have gone ape poo....

But i do wish his disposal count would lift as TV getting 25 -35 posessions a match would go a long way to the Cats getting the win.

Hopefully a big, injury free preseason has him coming into the year full of confidence in his body and he can finally reach his full potential. Im sure his best is yet to come.

 

[bobbycatsfanme]

haha now I see why you had a pot shot at me in the other thread MC
if you start a thread such as this one suggesting certain champions will be on high alert in 2012, expect some criticism in return