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Geelong end-of-season report
23 September 2005 Herald Sun
Jon Anderson
All Cats need is a good vet.
LADDER POSITION: 5th (13 wins, 11 losses)
COACH
Given crucial and long-term injuries, fifth was an acceptable finish, but patience will run out in Mark Thompson's seventh year if the Cats don't mount a serious challenge. Thompson was his normal self, showing little emotion apart from a spirited defence of recruit Brad Ottens in Round 3. 14/20
DEFENCE
This unit was never complete after David Wojcinski was hurt in Round 2 and Tom Harley missed half the year. Matthew Scarlett alternated between fair and brilliant, Matthew Egan announced his arrival while Josh Hunt started well but was flat by the end. Darren Milburn, Joel Corey and Corey Enright all alternated back with good results. Cam Mooney floated around, playing best when loose. 6/10
MIDFIELD
Good apart from a lack of genuine leg speed, making it imperative that Kane Tenace and Shannon Byrnes keep developing. Cameron Ling was durable (he's missed three games in four years) and prolific, Joel Corey had his best year and James Kelly showed in the finals the level he's capable of achieving. Jimmy Bartel played good, solid football. 7/10
RUCK STRENGTH
What should have been a strength was cruelled by injuries to Steven King and Brad Ottens. Mark Blake had a taste and remains in the uncertain basket, Paul Chambers is honest but lacks class. 5/10
FORWARDS
Henry Playfair covered the loss of Ben Graham for 11 rounds, then had his jaw broken and struggled for marking confidence. Ottens was serviceable at full-forward and Kent Kingsley kicked 57.40 as a leading option. Paul Chapman and Gary Ablett kicked 29 each to remain the best small double-act in the competition.
Steve Johnson and Andrew Mackie, with full pre-seasons behind them, are a mouth-watering thought for Cat fans. 6/10
LEADERSHIP
With King absent or playing injured it brought pressure on this area of his game. He needs a pre-season to get a battered 26-year-old body right. Ling has natural leadership and Playfair could become a surprise leader should his form keep improving. 13/20
LIST MANAGEMENT
There aren't too many holes on the list with improvement expected to come from Nathan Ablett, Egan, Johnson, Mackie, Playfair and Tenace. 15/20
OVERALL GRADE
66/100 P
SHINING LIGHT
DARREN MILBURN
Deserves a club B&F just as he deserved All-Australian selection.
A very smart footballer. When he plays well, Geelong plays well.
Off-field PERFORMANCE
A bonanza. The club paid off its bank debts, signed up record membership numbers, opened its new stand and is set to record a profit.
WHAT GEELONG NEEDS
Having traded their early draft picks to get Brad Ottens last year, expect the Cats to go young this time.
One priority is to keep local products in Geelong -- Abletts, Bartel, Ling, Scarlett -- so don't be surprised if they target the Geelong Falcons. The other priority is an injection of pace.
Danny Stanley from Ocean Grove is a power athlete who is quick over the first 20m and can play half-back or midfield. He toured Ireland earlier this year.
Draft pick order: 15, 31, 47, 63 (subject to trades)
The GOOD
Geelong averaged 50 disposals inside 50 per game, ranked No. 1. The Cats outscored their opposition by 18 goals in opening quarters.
The BAD
In the last 10 rounds Geelong kicked a goal once inside 50 24 per cent of the time, ranked 15th. During that time the Cats' kicking efficiency was 77 per cent, also ranked 15th.
THE VITAL STATS
CLUB LEADERS
Goals Kent Kingsley 57
Kicks Cameron Ling 307
Marks Darren Milburn 146
Handballs Cameron Ling 260
Clearances Cameron Ling 75
Clangers Jimmy Bartel 67
Tackles Jimmy Bartel 94
Hitouts Steven King 271
Goal assists Gary Ablett 17
Inside 50s Gary Ablett 101
Spoils Matthew Scarlett 83
Benchings Peter Riccardi 74
Game time Matthew Scarlett 2820 min
Played every game 5 of 37
YOU'RE EXCUSED
JOEL COREY
Nothing too flashy about him but he gets the job done, as a midfielder or back flanker. Team-orientated and durable.
PAUL CHAPMAN
His loss was huge at the end of the season and could have been the difference against the Swans. Hard nut who rarely wastes a kick.
MOST IMPROVED
MATTHEW EGAN
Looked slow and at times fumbled early on but with game time came composure. Is hard at it and just needs to develop leg speed.
SHANNON BYRNES
Out of favour late in the season but played 19 games. Quick, can kick and loves a goal. Needs to hit the gym to develop a physical presence.
CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM
ANDREW MACKIE
With a summer of development, watch out for 192cm Mackie to make 2006 his year. Needs to toe the line off-field, but can play.
NATHAN ABLETT
Really had no right to come into an AFL side from bush under-18 football and completely dominate a quarter against the Eagles.
GOING? ... GONE
JAMES RAHILLY
At 26 is a popular, hard-working player with 90 games under his belt. But hasn't secured a regular spot and might face the chop.
BRENTON SANDERSON
An astute trade in 1994 after being discarded by two clubs, not just for his footy, but his leadership. Can hold his head high after 200-plus games.
23 September 2005 Herald Sun
Jon Anderson
All Cats need is a good vet.
LADDER POSITION: 5th (13 wins, 11 losses)
COACH
Given crucial and long-term injuries, fifth was an acceptable finish, but patience will run out in Mark Thompson's seventh year if the Cats don't mount a serious challenge. Thompson was his normal self, showing little emotion apart from a spirited defence of recruit Brad Ottens in Round 3. 14/20
DEFENCE
This unit was never complete after David Wojcinski was hurt in Round 2 and Tom Harley missed half the year. Matthew Scarlett alternated between fair and brilliant, Matthew Egan announced his arrival while Josh Hunt started well but was flat by the end. Darren Milburn, Joel Corey and Corey Enright all alternated back with good results. Cam Mooney floated around, playing best when loose. 6/10
MIDFIELD
Good apart from a lack of genuine leg speed, making it imperative that Kane Tenace and Shannon Byrnes keep developing. Cameron Ling was durable (he's missed three games in four years) and prolific, Joel Corey had his best year and James Kelly showed in the finals the level he's capable of achieving. Jimmy Bartel played good, solid football. 7/10
RUCK STRENGTH
What should have been a strength was cruelled by injuries to Steven King and Brad Ottens. Mark Blake had a taste and remains in the uncertain basket, Paul Chambers is honest but lacks class. 5/10
FORWARDS
Henry Playfair covered the loss of Ben Graham for 11 rounds, then had his jaw broken and struggled for marking confidence. Ottens was serviceable at full-forward and Kent Kingsley kicked 57.40 as a leading option. Paul Chapman and Gary Ablett kicked 29 each to remain the best small double-act in the competition.
Steve Johnson and Andrew Mackie, with full pre-seasons behind them, are a mouth-watering thought for Cat fans. 6/10
LEADERSHIP
With King absent or playing injured it brought pressure on this area of his game. He needs a pre-season to get a battered 26-year-old body right. Ling has natural leadership and Playfair could become a surprise leader should his form keep improving. 13/20
LIST MANAGEMENT
There aren't too many holes on the list with improvement expected to come from Nathan Ablett, Egan, Johnson, Mackie, Playfair and Tenace. 15/20
OVERALL GRADE
66/100 P
SHINING LIGHT
DARREN MILBURN
Deserves a club B&F just as he deserved All-Australian selection.
A very smart footballer. When he plays well, Geelong plays well.
Off-field PERFORMANCE
A bonanza. The club paid off its bank debts, signed up record membership numbers, opened its new stand and is set to record a profit.
WHAT GEELONG NEEDS
Having traded their early draft picks to get Brad Ottens last year, expect the Cats to go young this time.
One priority is to keep local products in Geelong -- Abletts, Bartel, Ling, Scarlett -- so don't be surprised if they target the Geelong Falcons. The other priority is an injection of pace.
Danny Stanley from Ocean Grove is a power athlete who is quick over the first 20m and can play half-back or midfield. He toured Ireland earlier this year.
Draft pick order: 15, 31, 47, 63 (subject to trades)
The GOOD
Geelong averaged 50 disposals inside 50 per game, ranked No. 1. The Cats outscored their opposition by 18 goals in opening quarters.
The BAD
In the last 10 rounds Geelong kicked a goal once inside 50 24 per cent of the time, ranked 15th. During that time the Cats' kicking efficiency was 77 per cent, also ranked 15th.
THE VITAL STATS
CLUB LEADERS
Goals Kent Kingsley 57
Kicks Cameron Ling 307
Marks Darren Milburn 146
Handballs Cameron Ling 260
Clearances Cameron Ling 75
Clangers Jimmy Bartel 67
Tackles Jimmy Bartel 94
Hitouts Steven King 271
Goal assists Gary Ablett 17
Inside 50s Gary Ablett 101
Spoils Matthew Scarlett 83
Benchings Peter Riccardi 74
Game time Matthew Scarlett 2820 min
Played every game 5 of 37
YOU'RE EXCUSED
JOEL COREY
Nothing too flashy about him but he gets the job done, as a midfielder or back flanker. Team-orientated and durable.
PAUL CHAPMAN
His loss was huge at the end of the season and could have been the difference against the Swans. Hard nut who rarely wastes a kick.
MOST IMPROVED
MATTHEW EGAN
Looked slow and at times fumbled early on but with game time came composure. Is hard at it and just needs to develop leg speed.
SHANNON BYRNES
Out of favour late in the season but played 19 games. Quick, can kick and loves a goal. Needs to hit the gym to develop a physical presence.
CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM
ANDREW MACKIE
With a summer of development, watch out for 192cm Mackie to make 2006 his year. Needs to toe the line off-field, but can play.
NATHAN ABLETT
Really had no right to come into an AFL side from bush under-18 football and completely dominate a quarter against the Eagles.
GOING? ... GONE
JAMES RAHILLY
At 26 is a popular, hard-working player with 90 games under his belt. But hasn't secured a regular spot and might face the chop.
BRENTON SANDERSON
An astute trade in 1994 after being discarded by two clubs, not just for his footy, but his leadership. Can hold his head high after 200-plus games.
