NAB Cup QF preview: Kangaroos v Geelong
9:35:38 AM Wed 1 March, 2006
Jason Phelan
Sportal for afl.com.au
9:35:38 AM Wed 1 March, 2006
Jason Phelan
Sportal for afl.com.au
KANGAROOS V GEELONG: Saturday, 4 March, 7:45 pm local (8:45 pm AEST), Cairns, Qld.
TV/INTERNET: Channel 10, afl.com.au
PRE-SEASON/NIGHT PREMIERSHIPS WON: Kangaroos - 5 (1965, 1966, 1980, 1995, 1998), Geelong - 1 (1961)
LAST WEEK: The Kangaroos comfortably accounted for a Sydney side that contained just six premiership players in their opening-round clash at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The Roos set up the win with a strong first-half effort before easing down to the line for the win. Geelong saw off a determined effort from a near full-strength Carlton at Telstra Dome where the Cats trailed the Blues early in the final term before flying home with a wet sail to post a 28-point win.
INJURY WATCH: The Roos are starting the season in good shape with only Glenn Archer (hamstring) and Jess Sinclair (calf) unavailable for selection after reporting no fresh injuries from the opening round. The Cats also escaped unscathed, but have five players on the injury list. Steve Johnson (ankle), Matthew McCarthy (back), Peter Riccardi (hamstring), Travis Varcoe (foot) and David Wojcinski (knee) are all on track to be available for round one.
WHO LOOKED GOOD: Daniel Harris was prominent in and around the packs for the Kangaroos and was well-supported by Brady Rawlings and Shannon Grant in the middle. Geelong had winners at both ends of the ground with Kent Kingsley playing the game of his life at full-forward, booting nine goals, and Matthew Scarlett in All-Australian form at full-back.
WHY TO WATCH: Both sides should be nearing full strength for this encounter, so there should be plenty of talent on display. With so many new faces in their line-up, it will be interesting to see how the Kangaroos gameplan evolves as the season progresses. Geelong has been widely touted as a top-four shoe-in this season with many pundits even placing the Cats at the top of their crystal-ball ladders. How will they cope with the pressure of expectation?
THE VERDICT: It's hard to extract much information on the form of a side after just one game, so this will probably come down to which team has the more-settled line-up, and that is undoubtedly Geelong. The Cats are primed to be premiership contenders this year and while the Roos may prove to be as well, they'll need some time to find that all-important team chemistry. Geelong by 19 points.
TV/INTERNET: Channel 10, afl.com.au
PRE-SEASON/NIGHT PREMIERSHIPS WON: Kangaroos - 5 (1965, 1966, 1980, 1995, 1998), Geelong - 1 (1961)
LAST WEEK: The Kangaroos comfortably accounted for a Sydney side that contained just six premiership players in their opening-round clash at Manuka Oval in Canberra. The Roos set up the win with a strong first-half effort before easing down to the line for the win. Geelong saw off a determined effort from a near full-strength Carlton at Telstra Dome where the Cats trailed the Blues early in the final term before flying home with a wet sail to post a 28-point win.
INJURY WATCH: The Roos are starting the season in good shape with only Glenn Archer (hamstring) and Jess Sinclair (calf) unavailable for selection after reporting no fresh injuries from the opening round. The Cats also escaped unscathed, but have five players on the injury list. Steve Johnson (ankle), Matthew McCarthy (back), Peter Riccardi (hamstring), Travis Varcoe (foot) and David Wojcinski (knee) are all on track to be available for round one.
WHO LOOKED GOOD: Daniel Harris was prominent in and around the packs for the Kangaroos and was well-supported by Brady Rawlings and Shannon Grant in the middle. Geelong had winners at both ends of the ground with Kent Kingsley playing the game of his life at full-forward, booting nine goals, and Matthew Scarlett in All-Australian form at full-back.
WHY TO WATCH: Both sides should be nearing full strength for this encounter, so there should be plenty of talent on display. With so many new faces in their line-up, it will be interesting to see how the Kangaroos gameplan evolves as the season progresses. Geelong has been widely touted as a top-four shoe-in this season with many pundits even placing the Cats at the top of their crystal-ball ladders. How will they cope with the pressure of expectation?
THE VERDICT: It's hard to extract much information on the form of a side after just one game, so this will probably come down to which team has the more-settled line-up, and that is undoubtedly Geelong. The Cats are primed to be premiership contenders this year and while the Roos may prove to be as well, they'll need some time to find that all-important team chemistry. Geelong by 19 points.

