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Hey guys, i'm currently writing up a season preview for every club in the league, and thought you might appreciate having a read of Geelong's. Looking for feedback, cheers.
Last year
After a shock defeat suffered at the hands of Fremantle in the 2012 Elimination Final, Geelong were tipped to finally descend down the slope of a hill they've been at the top of for so long. After some strong inclusions through the trade period, the Cats started the season in perfect fashion, defeating their arch-rivals Hawthorn at a packed MCG on Easter Monday. They got out of jail a week later against North Melbourne, winning by four points despite trailing by as much as 41. Wins against Carlton, Sydney, Western Bulldogs and Richmond gave Geelong a 6-0 start to the season, with a Round 7 match-up against Essendon pitting first against second on the ladder. The Cats came out on top, winning by 28 points, however they fell to Collingwood by just a goal a week later. They responded in good fashion, beating both Port Adelaide and Gold Coast, however were sluggish against the Giants in Round 11, leading by just two goals at three quarter time before powering to a 59 point victory. On top of the ladder, heading into the bye, their premiership odds were shortening by the day.
A shock loss in Round 13 to the Brisbane Lions brought some reality back into the club, and they answered with a strong win over Fremantle at home. Another tight win over Hawthorn, followed by a 68 point thrashing of Melbourne, had them equal-first on the ladder with the Hawks. In Round 17, the Cats again let go of a strong lead, losing to Adelaide after leading by five goals halfway through the third quarter. A 101 point smashing of St Kilda at Simonds Stadium had them back in favour, however they lost a 10 point clash with the Kangaroos in a pulsating Friday night game, forcing them into third position. They would go on to win the final four games of the season, however were made to work extremely hard for a one point victory over the Lions in Round 23.
For the second consecutive year, Geelong were matched up with Fremantle for the first week of the finals, however this time, there would be a second chance for the loser. Again, it was the Cats defeated in a disappointing game in front of a strong home crowd, and they were forced into a cutthroat Semi Final game against Port Adelaide at the MCG. Despite trailing by 23 points at half time, Geelong fought back to win by 16 points, sending them into a Preliminary Final against Hawthorn, a mouthwatering contest. With 11 wins in a row over the Hawks, they look set to extend that to 12 and contest in another Grand Final, leading by 20 points at three quarter time. Hawthorn found momentum in the final quarter, kicking 4.8 to 1.1 to win by five points in one of the games of the year, making it the second year in a row the blue and white hoops wouldn't feature on the last Saturday in September.
What's new
The Cats didn't introduce any new players from rival clubs, instead trading a host of their premiership heroes away, with James Podsiadly heading to Adelaide, Josh Hunt to Greater Western Sydney, and Paul Chapman will end his career at Essendon. Trent West also found his way to the Brisbane Lions. Deciding against going around for another year was Joel Corey, calling it quits on a stellar career. The new blood at the Cattery included midfielders Darcy Lang and Jarrad Jansen, and key defensive prospect Jake Kolodjashnij. All three could see game time in 2014.
Best 22
FB: Cameron Guthrie, Tom Lonergan, Jared Rivers
HB: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Steven Motlop, James Kelly, Allen Christensen
HF: Steve Johnson, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
FF: Jimmy Bartel, Nathan Vardy, Shane Kersten
R: Hamish McIntosh, Joel Selwood ©, Josh Caddy
I/C: Mitch Duncan, George Horlin-Smith, Taylor Hunt
SUB: Travis Varcoe
EMG: Dawson Simpson, Jackson Thurlow, Jordan Murdoch
Defence
Cameron Guthrie (21, 40 games): Came of age in 2013, playing 20 games. Cool and composed in the back half.
Tom Lonergan (29, 122 games): Gutsy defender can really put a blanket over some of the best forwards in the game, including Sydney star Lance Franklin.
Jared Rivers (29, 160 games): One of Geelong's recruits from last season, the former Dee is a valuable third-tall in defence. Struggled with injury in his first year at Geelong, but returned to play in the finals.
Corey Enright (32, 266 games): The oldest player in Geelong's line-up, still remains one of the best defenders in the game, finishing sixth in the Carji Greeves Medal. Extremely smart with the ball, he has at least two seasons left in him if he manages his body well. Could crack 300 games.
Harry Taylor (27, 136 games): Continued to pinch-hit up forward when needed, showing how dangerous he can be at either ends of the field. On-song, he is among the best key defenders in the game. Great contested marker. Booted 15.9, with a best of five against the Western Bulldogs.
Andrew Mackie (29, 158 games): Resolute defender played every game in 2013, averaging just under 21 disposals and 6.2 marks. Took the eighth most marks of anyone in the league.
Midfield
Steven Motlop (22, 51 games): Mercurial youngster played 24 games in his fifth season on the list. Kicked 44.25 to be one of the best small forwards in the game. Also averaged a healthy 17.8 possessions. Took the second most bounces in the league, showing how much he likes to run and carry. A move into the midfield is the next step for him.
James Kelly (30, 233 games): A hard-nut in the Geelong midfield, Kelly was suspended for two matches in Round 7 against Essendon, and ended up playing a total of 20 games. Averaged 21.8 touches, 2.5 marks and 7.6 tackles, a league-best. Isn't deadly with his disposal, but puts his body on the line each week like a real stalwart.
Allen Christensen (22, 57 games): The young star from the 2011 flag, 'Bundy' has developed into a vital cog in the Cats' midfield. Played 21 games, averaging 21.1 touches, 3.2 marks and, vitally, four tackles. Also kicked 23.14, highlighting how dangerous he is.
Hamish McIntosh (29, 107 games): A key recruit to the Geelong line-up last year, he didn't manage a single game as his season was dogged by injury. The former North Melbourne ruckman is one of the best in his position when fit and firing, and appears to be this pre-season. Will fight Dawson Simpson for this spot.
Joel Selwood (25, 160 games): A star of the game, Selwood came one vote short of taking home his first Brownlow Medal. Kicked 30.16 and averaged 24.6 disposals, 4.1 marks and 5.6 tackles. Won his second Carji Greeves Medal, as well as making the All-Australian team. Probably on par with Pendlebury, and just behind Ablett in terms of the best player in the competition.
Josh Caddy (21, 42 games): The former Gold Coast Sun had an impressive debut season with the Cats, playing 18 games and averaging 15 disposals, 2.8 marks and 2.9 tackles. Also kicked 11.13, popping up as a goalsneak at various times. Was terrific in Geelong's preliminary final loss to Hawthorn. Looms as a clearance specialist.
Forward
Steve Johnson (30, 215 games): The Geelong superstar had another terrific season, spending more time in the midfield, averaging 28.7 possessions from 19 games, as well as 4.6 tackles and 5.7 tackles. Polled 25 Brownlow Medal votes, just three short of winner Ablett and two short of teammate Selwood, however was ineligible due to suspension. Kicked 23.23, and the question on the lips of Geelong supporters is whether he is worth more to the team in the forward line or in the midfield?
Tom Hawkins (25, 123 games): The hulking power forward for the Cats was hampered by a back injury for most of 2013, but still managed to kick 49.20.
Mathew Stokes (29, 155 games): Evolved from a goalsneak into a full-time midfielder, averaging 26.4 possessions, 5.1 marks and 2.7 tackles while kicking 12.6. Silky player.
Jimmy Bartel (30, 249 games): Another Geelong veteran still with a lot to give, he missed just one game in 2013, averaging 23.2 disposals, 5.4 marks and 3.5 tackles. Kicked 16.9 while spending more time up forward, but still showed how valuable he is in the midfield. Very effective with his possession.
Nathan Vardy (22, 21 games): Impressive athlete with some great footy skills has a bright future with the Cats. An injury-free season is vital for Vardy, with just 10 games in 2013, kicking 11.2. Kicked a career-high four majors against the Gold Coast in Round 10. Played in all three of Geelong's finals.
Shane Kersten (20, 0 games): Impressive youngster looks set to have a big impact in his third year on the list. Has an impressive frame and is agile enough to play tall and small.
Interchange
Mitch Duncan (22, 76 games): Has developed into a hard-running, underrated midfielder in the Cats' line-up, often using his tank to get free and gain plenty of uncontested possessions. Averaged 21 touches, 6.4 marks and three tackles, while kicking 14.16 from 25 games.
George Horlin-Smith (21, 11 games): Coming into his fourth year on the list. Played eight games last season, struggling to hold a place in a strong line-up, but showed great signs.
Taylor Hunt (23, 56 games): Geelong's designated tagger, Hunt played 15 games in 2013, missing seven matches through a broken collarbone. Once he returned, he couldn't find his best form, and only played one of Geelong's finals.
Travis Varcoe (25, 115 games): With his 2012 season a write-off due to injury, Varcoe was keen to return to his best last year. He played the first three games before succumbing to an injured shoulder. Returned late in the year to play in Geelong's finals series, but has been haunted all off-season by a missed shot at goal in the final seconds against Hawthorn that could've made the result a draw. A good option to come on in the second half of a game.
Ready to explode
The Cats have a number of players ready to have breakout seasons, which comes with having a wealth of impressive youngsters. The main one is George Horlin-Smith. His Round 4 performance against Sydney was sublime, collecting 23 possessions and acquitting himself well against the Swans' midfielders. Played eight games in 2013, and looks set to have more of an impact next year.
Needs a big year
In 2012 he showed that he was one of the best power forwards in the league, but with constant back issues hampering his play last year, Tom Hawkins will need to return to his best in '14. With a young forward line consisting of Vardy, Kersten and Motlop, Hawkins will need to shoulder most of the work, and with plenty of critics letting their opinions known, he has the best opportunity to answer back.
Prediction
It is hard to picture September without Geelong. It hasn't happened since 2006, and they have grown into a team worth the envy of every other club in the league. They showed in 2013 that they aren't quite ready to fall down the ladder, and at their best should contend for the top four yet again, however finishing in the eight would still be a good result, as they are one team capable of striking in the finals from any ladder position.
Last year
After a shock defeat suffered at the hands of Fremantle in the 2012 Elimination Final, Geelong were tipped to finally descend down the slope of a hill they've been at the top of for so long. After some strong inclusions through the trade period, the Cats started the season in perfect fashion, defeating their arch-rivals Hawthorn at a packed MCG on Easter Monday. They got out of jail a week later against North Melbourne, winning by four points despite trailing by as much as 41. Wins against Carlton, Sydney, Western Bulldogs and Richmond gave Geelong a 6-0 start to the season, with a Round 7 match-up against Essendon pitting first against second on the ladder. The Cats came out on top, winning by 28 points, however they fell to Collingwood by just a goal a week later. They responded in good fashion, beating both Port Adelaide and Gold Coast, however were sluggish against the Giants in Round 11, leading by just two goals at three quarter time before powering to a 59 point victory. On top of the ladder, heading into the bye, their premiership odds were shortening by the day.
A shock loss in Round 13 to the Brisbane Lions brought some reality back into the club, and they answered with a strong win over Fremantle at home. Another tight win over Hawthorn, followed by a 68 point thrashing of Melbourne, had them equal-first on the ladder with the Hawks. In Round 17, the Cats again let go of a strong lead, losing to Adelaide after leading by five goals halfway through the third quarter. A 101 point smashing of St Kilda at Simonds Stadium had them back in favour, however they lost a 10 point clash with the Kangaroos in a pulsating Friday night game, forcing them into third position. They would go on to win the final four games of the season, however were made to work extremely hard for a one point victory over the Lions in Round 23.
For the second consecutive year, Geelong were matched up with Fremantle for the first week of the finals, however this time, there would be a second chance for the loser. Again, it was the Cats defeated in a disappointing game in front of a strong home crowd, and they were forced into a cutthroat Semi Final game against Port Adelaide at the MCG. Despite trailing by 23 points at half time, Geelong fought back to win by 16 points, sending them into a Preliminary Final against Hawthorn, a mouthwatering contest. With 11 wins in a row over the Hawks, they look set to extend that to 12 and contest in another Grand Final, leading by 20 points at three quarter time. Hawthorn found momentum in the final quarter, kicking 4.8 to 1.1 to win by five points in one of the games of the year, making it the second year in a row the blue and white hoops wouldn't feature on the last Saturday in September.
What's new
The Cats didn't introduce any new players from rival clubs, instead trading a host of their premiership heroes away, with James Podsiadly heading to Adelaide, Josh Hunt to Greater Western Sydney, and Paul Chapman will end his career at Essendon. Trent West also found his way to the Brisbane Lions. Deciding against going around for another year was Joel Corey, calling it quits on a stellar career. The new blood at the Cattery included midfielders Darcy Lang and Jarrad Jansen, and key defensive prospect Jake Kolodjashnij. All three could see game time in 2014.
Best 22
FB: Cameron Guthrie, Tom Lonergan, Jared Rivers
HB: Corey Enright, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Steven Motlop, James Kelly, Allen Christensen
HF: Steve Johnson, Tom Hawkins, Mathew Stokes
FF: Jimmy Bartel, Nathan Vardy, Shane Kersten
R: Hamish McIntosh, Joel Selwood ©, Josh Caddy
I/C: Mitch Duncan, George Horlin-Smith, Taylor Hunt
SUB: Travis Varcoe
EMG: Dawson Simpson, Jackson Thurlow, Jordan Murdoch
Defence
Cameron Guthrie (21, 40 games): Came of age in 2013, playing 20 games. Cool and composed in the back half.
Tom Lonergan (29, 122 games): Gutsy defender can really put a blanket over some of the best forwards in the game, including Sydney star Lance Franklin.
Jared Rivers (29, 160 games): One of Geelong's recruits from last season, the former Dee is a valuable third-tall in defence. Struggled with injury in his first year at Geelong, but returned to play in the finals.
Corey Enright (32, 266 games): The oldest player in Geelong's line-up, still remains one of the best defenders in the game, finishing sixth in the Carji Greeves Medal. Extremely smart with the ball, he has at least two seasons left in him if he manages his body well. Could crack 300 games.
Harry Taylor (27, 136 games): Continued to pinch-hit up forward when needed, showing how dangerous he can be at either ends of the field. On-song, he is among the best key defenders in the game. Great contested marker. Booted 15.9, with a best of five against the Western Bulldogs.
Andrew Mackie (29, 158 games): Resolute defender played every game in 2013, averaging just under 21 disposals and 6.2 marks. Took the eighth most marks of anyone in the league.
Midfield
Steven Motlop (22, 51 games): Mercurial youngster played 24 games in his fifth season on the list. Kicked 44.25 to be one of the best small forwards in the game. Also averaged a healthy 17.8 possessions. Took the second most bounces in the league, showing how much he likes to run and carry. A move into the midfield is the next step for him.
James Kelly (30, 233 games): A hard-nut in the Geelong midfield, Kelly was suspended for two matches in Round 7 against Essendon, and ended up playing a total of 20 games. Averaged 21.8 touches, 2.5 marks and 7.6 tackles, a league-best. Isn't deadly with his disposal, but puts his body on the line each week like a real stalwart.
Allen Christensen (22, 57 games): The young star from the 2011 flag, 'Bundy' has developed into a vital cog in the Cats' midfield. Played 21 games, averaging 21.1 touches, 3.2 marks and, vitally, four tackles. Also kicked 23.14, highlighting how dangerous he is.
Hamish McIntosh (29, 107 games): A key recruit to the Geelong line-up last year, he didn't manage a single game as his season was dogged by injury. The former North Melbourne ruckman is one of the best in his position when fit and firing, and appears to be this pre-season. Will fight Dawson Simpson for this spot.
Joel Selwood (25, 160 games): A star of the game, Selwood came one vote short of taking home his first Brownlow Medal. Kicked 30.16 and averaged 24.6 disposals, 4.1 marks and 5.6 tackles. Won his second Carji Greeves Medal, as well as making the All-Australian team. Probably on par with Pendlebury, and just behind Ablett in terms of the best player in the competition.
Josh Caddy (21, 42 games): The former Gold Coast Sun had an impressive debut season with the Cats, playing 18 games and averaging 15 disposals, 2.8 marks and 2.9 tackles. Also kicked 11.13, popping up as a goalsneak at various times. Was terrific in Geelong's preliminary final loss to Hawthorn. Looms as a clearance specialist.
Forward
Steve Johnson (30, 215 games): The Geelong superstar had another terrific season, spending more time in the midfield, averaging 28.7 possessions from 19 games, as well as 4.6 tackles and 5.7 tackles. Polled 25 Brownlow Medal votes, just three short of winner Ablett and two short of teammate Selwood, however was ineligible due to suspension. Kicked 23.23, and the question on the lips of Geelong supporters is whether he is worth more to the team in the forward line or in the midfield?
Tom Hawkins (25, 123 games): The hulking power forward for the Cats was hampered by a back injury for most of 2013, but still managed to kick 49.20.
Mathew Stokes (29, 155 games): Evolved from a goalsneak into a full-time midfielder, averaging 26.4 possessions, 5.1 marks and 2.7 tackles while kicking 12.6. Silky player.
Jimmy Bartel (30, 249 games): Another Geelong veteran still with a lot to give, he missed just one game in 2013, averaging 23.2 disposals, 5.4 marks and 3.5 tackles. Kicked 16.9 while spending more time up forward, but still showed how valuable he is in the midfield. Very effective with his possession.
Nathan Vardy (22, 21 games): Impressive athlete with some great footy skills has a bright future with the Cats. An injury-free season is vital for Vardy, with just 10 games in 2013, kicking 11.2. Kicked a career-high four majors against the Gold Coast in Round 10. Played in all three of Geelong's finals.
Shane Kersten (20, 0 games): Impressive youngster looks set to have a big impact in his third year on the list. Has an impressive frame and is agile enough to play tall and small.
Interchange
Mitch Duncan (22, 76 games): Has developed into a hard-running, underrated midfielder in the Cats' line-up, often using his tank to get free and gain plenty of uncontested possessions. Averaged 21 touches, 6.4 marks and three tackles, while kicking 14.16 from 25 games.
George Horlin-Smith (21, 11 games): Coming into his fourth year on the list. Played eight games last season, struggling to hold a place in a strong line-up, but showed great signs.
Taylor Hunt (23, 56 games): Geelong's designated tagger, Hunt played 15 games in 2013, missing seven matches through a broken collarbone. Once he returned, he couldn't find his best form, and only played one of Geelong's finals.
Travis Varcoe (25, 115 games): With his 2012 season a write-off due to injury, Varcoe was keen to return to his best last year. He played the first three games before succumbing to an injured shoulder. Returned late in the year to play in Geelong's finals series, but has been haunted all off-season by a missed shot at goal in the final seconds against Hawthorn that could've made the result a draw. A good option to come on in the second half of a game.
Ready to explode
The Cats have a number of players ready to have breakout seasons, which comes with having a wealth of impressive youngsters. The main one is George Horlin-Smith. His Round 4 performance against Sydney was sublime, collecting 23 possessions and acquitting himself well against the Swans' midfielders. Played eight games in 2013, and looks set to have more of an impact next year.
Needs a big year
In 2012 he showed that he was one of the best power forwards in the league, but with constant back issues hampering his play last year, Tom Hawkins will need to return to his best in '14. With a young forward line consisting of Vardy, Kersten and Motlop, Hawkins will need to shoulder most of the work, and with plenty of critics letting their opinions known, he has the best opportunity to answer back.
Prediction
It is hard to picture September without Geelong. It hasn't happened since 2006, and they have grown into a team worth the envy of every other club in the league. They showed in 2013 that they aren't quite ready to fall down the ladder, and at their best should contend for the top four yet again, however finishing in the eight would still be a good result, as they are one team capable of striking in the finals from any ladder position.
